4.11 noise and vibration€¦ · 20 4.11.1.1 noise and vibration fundamentals 21 22 sound is a...
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SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-1 DRAFT EIR
4.11 Noise and Vibration 1
2
This section describes the environmental and regulatory settings and discusses potential impacts 3
associated with the construction and operation of the South Orange County Reliability Enhancement 4
Project (proposed project) with respect to noise conditions. During scoping, comments were received 5
from members of the public concerning noise that would be generated during construction, the potential 6
effects of noise on nearby businesses and the Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club, and the impacts of 7
corona noise on residents. These concerns are addressed in this section. 8
9
4.11.1 Environmental Setting 10
11
The proposed project would be located primarily in regions of southern Orange County and the 12
unincorporated area of northwestern San Diego County, on land owned and under the jurisdiction of the 13
United States Marine Corps within its Camp Pendleton base. The overall project area is characterized by 14
valleys, canyons, and hills between United States Marine Corps land at Marine Corps Base Camp 15
Pendleton and the city of San Juan Capistrano. Existing land uses within the proposed project area 16
include residential, recreation (golf courses), solid waste disposal (landfill), open space areas and 17
parkland, a public transportation railroad line, and major roads and highways. 18
19
4.11.1.1 Noise and Vibration Fundamentals 20
21
Sound is a pressure wave transmitted through the air and is measured by decibels (dB), frequency of 22
pitch, and duration. Because the human ear can detect a large range of intensities, the dB scale is based 23
on multiples of 10, according to the logarithmic scale. Each interval of 10 dB indicates a sound energy 24
level 10 times greater than the previous level and is perceived by the human ear as being roughly twice as 25
loud. It is widely accepted that the average human ear can perceive changes of 3 dBA, and a change of 5 26
dBA is readily perceptible. Noise is defined as objectionable or unwanted sound. 27
28
To account for the fact that human hearing does not process all frequencies equally, an A-weighted 29
(dBA) scale was developed. The dBA scale deviates from the “linear” dB weighting curve appropriately 30
for specific frequency values. Therefore, the “A-weighted” noise scale is used for measurements and 31
standards involving the human perception of noise. Table 4.11-1 shows the relationship of various noise 32
levels to commonly experienced noise events. 33
34
Noise level descriptors are commonly used to characterize the average ambient noise environment in a 35
given area. The Sound Equivalent Level, or Leq, is generally used to characterize the average sound 36
energy that occurs during a relatively short period of time, such as an hour. Two other descriptors, the 37
Day-Night Level (Ldn) and Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL), are used for an entire 24-hour 38
period. The value of the Ldn and CNEL are generally within 1 dB of each other and therefore are often 39
used interchangeably in noise analysis. Both the Ldn and CNEL noise level descriptors are used to place a 40
stronger emphasis on noise that occurs during nighttime hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) by applying a 10-dB 41
“penalty” to those hours, but the CNEL also applies a 5-dB “penalty” to the evening hours of 7 p.m. to 42
10 p.m. 43
44
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-2 DRAFT EIR
Table 4.11-1 Typical Noise Levels
Common Outdoor Activities Noise Level
(dBA) Common Indoor Activities 110 Rock band
Jet fly-over at 1,000 feet (300 meters) 100
Gas lawn mower at 3 feet (1 meter) 90
Diesel truck at 50 feet, at 50 mph (80 km/h) 80 Food blender at 3 feet
Noisy urban area, daytime gas lawn mower at 100 feet 70 Vacuum cleaner at 10 feet
Commercial area heavy traffic at 300 feet 60 Normal speech at 3 feet
Quiet urban daytime 50 Large business office dishwasher in next room
Quiet urban nighttime 40 Theater, large conference room (background)
Quiet suburban nighttime 30 Library
Quiet rural nighttime 20 Bedroom at night, concert hall (background)
10 Broadcast/recording studio
Lowest threshold of human hearing 0 Lowest threshold of human hearing Source: Caltrans 2009
Key:
dBA = A-weighted decibels
km/h = kilometers per hour
mph = miles per hour
1
Sound from a small localized source (approximating a “point” source) radiates uniformly outward as it 2
travels away from the source in a spherical pattern. The sound level attenuates or drops off at a rate of 6 3
dBA when the distance is doubled. Natural terrain features such as hills and dense woods, as well as 4
fabricated features such as buildings and walls, can alter noise levels. Wind, temperature, and other 5
atmospheric effects could also alter the path of sound. 6
7
Vibration 8
Another community annoyance related to noise is vibration. As with noise, vibration can be described by 9
both its amplitude and frequency. Vibration can be felt outdoors, but the perceived intensity of vibration 10
impacts is much greater indoors, due to the shaking of structures. Factors that influence levels of ground-11
borne vibration and noise are the vibration source; soil conditions (type, rock layers, soil layering, and 12
depth of water table); and factors related to the vibration receiver (foundation type, building construction, 13
and acoustical absorption). Human response to vibration is difficult to quantify because vibration can be 14
perceived at levels below those required to produce any damage to structures. Table 4.11-2 shows 15
common human and structural response to vibration levels. 16
17
Vibration is an oscillatory motion that can be described in terms of displacement, velocity, or 18
acceleration. Vibratory motion is commonly described by identifying peak particle velocity (PPV), which 19
is generally accepted as the most appropriate descriptor for evaluating building damage. However, human 20
response to vibration is usually assessed using amplitude indicators (root-mean square) or vibration 21
velocity levels measured in inches per second or in decibels (VdB). The background velocity level in 22
residential areas is usually 50 VdB, and the human threshold of perception is 65 VdB. Special care also 23
should be taken when vibration occurs close to historically important structures and very sensitive 24
manufacturing or research equipment. Historical structures usually require lower vibration limits. High-25
resolution electronic equipment is also typically sensitive to vibration (FTA 2006). 26
27
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-3 DRAFT EIR
Table 4.11-2 Human and Structural Response to Typical Levels of Vibration
Human/Structural Response Vibration Velocity Level
(VdB)a Typical Sources Threshold, minor cosmetic damage to
fragile buildings
100 Blasting from construction projects
Difficulty with tasks (e.g., reading a screen) 90 Bulldozers and other heavy tracked
construction equipment
Residential annoyance, transient events 80 Commuter rail, upper range
Residential annoyance, continuous events 70 Rapid transit, typical
Human threshold of perception and limit
for vibration sensitive equipment
65 Bus or truck, typical
No human response 50 Typical background vibration Source: FTA 2006
Key:
VdB = decibels of vibration velocity
Notes: a Root-mean square vibration velocity level in VdB is equivalent to 10-6 inches per second.
1
4.11.1.2 Existing Noise Levels 2
3
San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E, or the applicant) measured background noise levels at 4
several proposed project component locations, including four locations near Capistrano Substation, as 5
well as Transmission Line Poles 8, 11, 28, and 29. A summary of these noise measurements is provided 6
in Table 4.11-3. The Leq indicates all the sounds recorded over a specified time period. Maximum sound 7
level (Lmax) and minimum sound level (Lmin) refer to the maximum and minimum sound levels recorded 8
during the same time period. 9
10
Table 4.11-3 Applicant’s Noise Surveys Results
Site ID Location
Start Time
Duration (Minutes) Leq (dBA)
Lmax (dBA)
Lmin (dBA) Noise Sources
ST-1 North of Capistrano
Substation
10:06 a.m. 15
52.0 70.8 43.9 Car and truck vehicle movements
on the adjacent Camino
Capistrano roadway, local side
streets, and the I-5 freeway to
the east
General urban noises in the
neighborhoods (music, talking,
tools, church bells, etc.)
Birds (during the daytime) and
crickets (during the evening and
late-night hours)
Dogs barking
Substation transformer hum
(depending on location,
conditions, and other sources)
Occasional rustling of vegetation
during periods of light winds
Occasional train pass-by on the
Amtrak line across Camino
Capistrano
4:40 p.m. 65.5 82.7 43.0
10:04 p.m. 47.3 50.9 42.9
3:31 a.m. 43.8 48.0 40.5
ST-2 Northwest Corner
of Junipero Serra
Park
11:10 a.m. 55.8 76.8 42.4
3:57 p.m. 54.5 72.8 47.2
8:12 p.m. 54.0 67.1 49.5
ST-2 Northwest Corner
of Junipero Serra
Park
3:07 a.m. 44.4 54.4 38.0
ST-3 At Junipero Serra
Park Sign along
Calle Santa Rosalia
11:28 a.m. 52.2 62.5 48.1
3:34 p.m. 52.3 63.0 49.3
9:15 p.m. 51.9 66.0 46.5
2:49 a.m. 46.5 53.6 40.7
ST-4 Calle Bonita and
Via El Rosario
11:48 a.m. 54.8 62.5 48.1
4:17 p.m. 56.2 71.3 45.5
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-4 DRAFT EIR
Table 4.11-3 Applicant’s Noise Surveys Results
Site ID Location
Start Time
Duration (Minutes) Leq (dBA)
Lmax (dBA)
Lmin (dBA) Noise Sources
10:31 p.m. 50.5 66.7 44.4 Occasional aircraft overflights in
the distance 2:26 a.m. 44.7 62.9 39.1
Pole
8*
Arroyo Park near
Pole 8
8:59 p.m. 50.7 54.8 47.5 Vehicle movements on distant
roadways (e.g., I-5 freeway,
Ortega Highway, San Juan
Creek Road, and Calle Saluda)
Occasional dogs barking or other
wildlife (i.e., coyotes) in the
distance
Occasional rustling of vegetation
during periods of very light winds
(at Pole No. 8 only)
Infrequent train movements in
the distance
Residential equipment (e.g., pool
pumps or water features) in the
distance
Pole
11*
Residences on
Juliana Farms
Road near Pole 11
9:59 p.m. 49.7 54.2 45.0
Pole
28*
Residences on
Avenida Fresas
near Pole 28
10:39 p.m. 36.4 50.3 30.1
Pole
29*
Residences on
Avenida Fresas
near Pole 29
10:56 p.m. 30.5 40.3 25.6
Source: Alliance Acoustical Consulting Inc. 2012.
* Corona noise measurement.
Note: Capistrano Substation measurements were taken on Wednesday, June 9, 2010, and Thursday, June 10, 2010. Corona
measurements were taken on Saturday, January 14, 2012.
Key:
dBA = A-weighted decibels
I-5 = Interstate 5
ID = identification
Leq = Sound equivalent
Lmax = maximum sound level
Lmin = minimum sound level
ST = substation
1
4.11.1.3 Sensitive Receptors 2
3
Human response to noise and vibration varies by individual person, the setting, and the activity in which 4
a person is involved while exposed to unwanted sound. Noise and vibration-sensitive receptors can be 5
defined as locations where people reside or where the presence of unwanted sound or vibration could 6
adversely affect the designated land uses. Noise receptors in the project area that are considered sensitive 7
are schools (Table 4.8-2 in Section 4.8, “Hazards and Hazardous Materials” provides a list of nearby 8
schools), places of worship, parks, hospitals, and residences located within 0.5 mile of one of the project 9
components. The closest noise and vibration sensitive receptors to the proposed project components are 10
listed in Table 4.11-4. 11
12
For the purpose of this analysis, distances to the closest receptors in urban areas were determined by 13
measuring the shortest distances to residential structures, schools, hospitals, and other receptors and 14
proposed project component locations on recent aerial imagery. Table 4.11-4 is not intended to provide a 15
full inventory of sensitive receptors, but rather to show the worst case scenario in terms of proximity to 16
sensitive areas for each project component. In addition, Table 4.11-4 includes land use designations in 17
order to identify the applicable noise and vibration standard to each sensitive receptor. 18
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-5 DRAFT EIR
Table 4.11-4 Closest Noise Sensitive Receptors to Proposed Project Components
Project component Closest Noise Sensitive
Receptor Jurisdiction Land Use
Designation Distance
(feet) San Juan Capistrano
Substation
Residences on Paseo Mar Azul City of San Juan
Capistrano Medium High Density
Residential 18
Talega Substation Residences along Christianitos
South Trail
City of San Clemente Talega Specific Plan 1,355
Transmission Segment 1a
Transmission work inside
Capistrano Substation
Residences on Paseo Mar Azul City of San Juan
Capistrano
Medium High Density
Residential
18
Overhead 138-kV Line Community center/recreation area Open Space
Recreation
0*
Underground 138-kV Line Community center/recreation area Open Space
Recreation
0*
Transmission Segment 1b
Transmission work inside
Capistrano Substation
Residence on Calle Santa Rosalia City of San Juan
Capistrano
Medium High Density
Residential
18
Overhead 230-kV Line Junipero Serra Park and Arroyo
Park
Neighborhood Park 0a
Marbella Country Club Open Space
Recreation
0a
Underground 230 –kV Line Residence at the intersection of
Via Zamora and Via Pamplona
Planned Community 40
Overhead 138-kV Line Junipero Serra Park Neighborhood Park 0a
Transmission Segment 2
Underground 230-kV Line San Juan Hills High School City of San Juan
Capistrano
Planned Community 10
Transmission Segment 3
Overhead 230-kV Line Residence on Via Cartaya City of San Clemente Talega Specific Plan 45
Transmission Segment 4
Overhead 230-kV Line Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club City of San Clemente Rancho San Clemente
Specific Plan
230
Overhead 138-kV Line Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club Rancho San Clemente
Specific Plan
496
Underground 138-kV Line Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club Rancho San Clemente
Specific Plan
275
Overhead 69-kV Line Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club Rancho San Clemente
Specific Plan
270
Underground 69-kV Line Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club Rancho San Clemente
Specific Plan
250
Transmission work inside
Talega Substation
Residences along Christianitos
South Trail
Talega Specific Plan 1,355
Distribution Line Segment A
Underground Getaways
West of San Juan
Capistrano Substation
Community center/recreation area City of San Juan
Capistrano
Open Space
Recreation
0a
Distribution Line Segment B
New Underground Lines
South and East of San Juan
Capistrano Substation
Junipero Serra Park City of San Juan
Capistrano
Neighborhood Park 0a
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-6 DRAFT EIR
Table 4.11-4 Closest Noise Sensitive Receptors to Proposed Project Components
Project component Closest Noise Sensitive
Receptor Jurisdiction Land Use
Designation Distance
(feet) Distribution Line Segment C
New Overhead Line Across
Interstate 5 Junipero Serra Park City of San Juan
Capistrano
Neighborhood Park 0a
Distribution Line Segment D
New Underground Line
along Rancho Viejo Road
Marbella Country Club City of San Juan
Capistrano
Open Space
Recreation
70
Distribution Line Segment E
New Cable in Existing
Underground Conduit along
Rancho Viejo Road
Zoe Church (Rancho Viejo Road
and Calle De La Rosa)
City of San Juan
Capistrano
Planned Community 95
Distribution Line Segment F
Existing Underground
Conduit and Conductor
along Highway 74
Residences along south-
southeast side of Highway 74
between La Novia Avenue and
Avenida Siega
City of San Juan
Capistrano
Medium High,
Medium, and Medium
Low Density
Residential
50
Distribution Line Segment G
New Underground Conduit
along Avenida La Pata
Residence west of Antonio
Parkway
County of Orange Suburban Residential 2,347
Distribution Line Segment H
New Overhead Distribution
Line along Avenida La Pata
San Juan Hills High School City of San Juan
Capistrano
Planned Community 625
Distribution Line Segment I
Existing Underground
Conduit from Avenida La
Pata to Vista Montana
San Juan Hills High School City of San Juan
Capistrano
Planned Community 600
Distribution Line Segment J
Removal of Underground
Line along Vista Montana
Residence at Intersection of Via
Pamplona and Via Zamora
City of San Juan
Capistrano
Planned Community 75
Distribution Line Segment K
Existing Underground Line
Removal along Avenida La
Pata
Residence at Via Zamora and Via
Granada
City of San Juan
Capistrano
Planned Community 646
Distribution Line Segment L
New Overhead Line along
Avenida La Pata to Prima
Deschecha Landfill
Residence at eastern end of
Paseo Palmar
City of San Juan
Capistrano
Planned Community 704
Distribution Line Segment M
New underbuild on existing
structures
Residence at intersection of
Christianitos South Trail and
Avenida Pico
County of Orange Open Space 779
Sources: Google Earth 2014; City of San Juan Capistrano 2014; City of San Clemente 2014,; County of Orange 2005.
Key:
kV = kilovolt
Notes: (a) Intersected by a component of the project.
1
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-7 DRAFT EIR
4.11.2 Regulatory Setting 1
2
4.11.2.1 Federal 3
4
There are no federal noise standards that directly regulate environmental or community noise. Regulating 5
noise is generally a responsibility of local governments. However, several federal agencies have 6
developed community noise guidelines. 7
8
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published guidelines on recommended 9
maximum noise levels to protect public health and welfare with adequate margins of safety. A noise level 10
of 70 dBA equivalent sound level over a 24-hour period was identified as the level of environmental 11
noise that could lead to hearing loss over a 40-year period (EPA 1978). In addition, noise levels of 55 12
dBA Ldn outdoors and 45 dBA indoors were identified as noise thresholds that would prevent activity 13
interference or annoyance (FTA 2006). Workers’ exposure to noise is regulated by the federal 14
occupational noise regulations established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 29 15
Code of Federal Regulations1910.95. 16
17
In regard to groundborne vibration and groundborne noise, agencies such as the Federal Transportation 18
Administration (FTA) and the U.S. Bureau of Mines have extensively studied the effects of ground 19
vibration and damage on structures. The FTA has established construction vibration damage criteria of 20
0.12 inches per second (PPV) or 90 VdB for buildings extremely susceptible to vibration damage. 21
22
4.11.2.2 State 23
24
There are no statewide regulations that address noise impacts; however, the state requires local 25
governments to perform noise surveys and implement a noise element as part of its General Plan (OPR 26
2003), as established in the California Government Code Section 65302(f). In addition, the state 27
recommends interior and exterior noise standards by land use category and standards for the 28
compatibility of various land uses and noise levels. 29
30
4.11.2.3 Regional and Local 31
32
As described in Table 4.11-4, the proposed project components would be located within multiple 33
jurisdictions. Community noise applicable plans and regulations addressed by each of these local 34
governments are described in the following sections. 35
36
Orange County 37
The Orange County Code of Ordinances, Title 4 – Health, Sanitation, and Animal Regulations, Division 38
6 – Noise Control provides noise standards for incorporated and unincorporated areas of the County (Sec. 39
4-6-4). The exterior noise standard for all residential property is 55 dBA between the hours of 7:00 a.m. 40
and 10:00 p.m. and 50 dBA from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. during any day of the week (Sec. 4-6-5). The 41
County provides exemptions to this ordinance for noise sources associated with construction, repair, 42
remodeling, or grading provided the activities do not take place between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on 43
weekdays, including Saturday, or at any time on Sunday or a federal holiday. Therefore, this standard 44
would apply to all construction activities occurring in Orange County. 45
46
The County of Orange General Plan (2005) Chapter VIII Noise Element specifies exterior noise 47
standards for various land use types, including land use deemed sensitive to noise (e.g., residences, 48
hospitals, rest homes, convalescent hospitals, places of worship, and schools). A CNEL of 65 decibels is 49
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-8 DRAFT EIR
required for outdoor living areas. This CNEL level is only applicable to permanent sources operating in 1
the proximity of sensitive land uses. Therefore, this Noise Element would apply to the operation of 2
Talega Substation 3
4
City of San Juan Capistrano 5
The City of San Juan Capistrano Noise Ordinance has exterior noise standards for residential and non-6
residential land uses that are applicable to the proposed project. Table 4.11-5 provides the allowable 7
exterior noise levels for residential, commercial, and institutional uses. Table 4.11-6 provides additional 8
specificity for the duration of allowable noise levels. These standards are applicable to proposed project 9
operations (substation, transmission, and distribution line segments) within the city of San Juan 10
Capistrano. Exempted from these restrictions are: noise sources associated with construction, repairs, 11
remodeling, or the grading of any real property, provided that such activities are conducted from 7:00 12
a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday or from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Construction 13
noise is not allowed at any time on Sunday or on a national holiday. 14
15
Table 4.11-5 City of San Juan Capistrano Exterior Noise Standards
Zone Sound Level
(dBA) Time Residential & Institutional Districts 65 7 a.m.– 7 p.m.
Residential & Institutional Districts 55 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Residential & Institutional Districts 45 10 p.m. – 7 a.m.
Commercial Districts 65 Any time Source: City of San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code Sec. 9-3.531.
Key:
dBA = A-weighted decibel
16
Table 4.11-6 City of San Juan Capistrano Maximum Levels of Noise Exposure for Residential, Institutional, and Commercial Uses
Maximum Time of Exposure
Noise Metric
Noise Level not to be Exceeded (dBA)
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
30 Minutes/Hour L50 65 55 45
15 Minutes/Hour L25 70 60 50
5 Minutes/Hour L8.3 75 65 55
1 Minute/Hour L1.6 80 70 60
Any Period of Time L0/Lmax 85 75 65 Source: City of San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code Sec. 9-3.531.
Key:
dBA = A-weighted decibel
L50 = noise standard for a cumulative period of more than 30 minutes in any hour
L25 = noise standard for cumulative period of more than 15 minutes in any hour
L8.3 = noise standard for cumulative period of more than 5 minutes in any hour
L1.6 = noise standard for cumulative period of more than 1 minute in any hour
L0/Lmax = noise standard for any period of time
17
City of San Clemente 18
The City of San Clemente Municipal Code, Chapter 8.48, “Noise Control,” contains several sections that 19
address noise policy, definitions, exterior and interior standards, measurement procedures, and 20
exceptions. Much like the County of Orange Ordinance, the City of San Clemente Municipal Code 21
establishes allowable exterior and interior noise levels, based on the land use, time of day, and the 22
portion of any hour that the noise source of concern is observed. Table 4.11-7 lists the allowable exterior 23
noise levels as prescribed by Section 8.48.050 of the San Clemente Municipal Code. These standards 24
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4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
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shall not be exceeded by the levels and periods of time identified in Table 4.11-8 for the land uses 1
applicable to the proposed project. 2
3
Table 4.11-7 City of San Clemente Allowable Exterior Noise Limits
Noise Condition
Daytime Sound Level 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
(dBA)
Nighttime Sound Level 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
(dBA) Residential 55 50
Residential portions of mixed-use, or residences located
on property zoned for commercial, industrial or
manufacturing land use
60 50
Commercial 65 60
Industrial or Manufacturing 70 70
Noise occurring less than 1 minute per hour +20 +20 Source: City of San Clemente Municipal Code Section 8.48.050 and 8.48.060
Key:
dBA = A-weighted decibel
4
Table 4.11-8 City of San Clemente Maximum Levels of Noise Exposure for Residential Uses
Maximum Time of Exposure
Noise Metric
Noise Level not to be Exceeded (dBA)
Residential Mixed-Use Residential 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
30 Minutes/Hour L50 55 50 60 50
15 Minutes/Hour L25 60 55 65 55
5 Minutes/Hour L8.3 65 60 70 60
1 Minute/Hour L1.6 70 65 75 65
Any Period of Time L0/Lmax 75 70 80 70 Source: City of San Clemente Municipal Code, Chapter 8.48.
Key:
dBA = A-weighted decibel
L50 = noise standard for a cumulative period of more than 30 minutes in any hour
L25 = noise standard for cumulative period of more than 15 minutes in any hour
L8.3 = noise standard for cumulative period of more than 5 minutes in any hour
L1.6 = noise standard for cumulative period of more than 1 minute in any hour
L0/Lmax = noise standard for any period of time
5
Exemptions from these standards that are applicable to the proposed project include the following: 6
7
Noise sources associated with construction activity, provided the activities take place only 8
between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9
8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and at no time on a Sunday or a City-recognized holiday, 10
and provided that all grading activities also comply with Section 15.36.190 of the City’s 11
Municipal Code regarding time of grading operations. 12
Noise sources associated with the maintenance of real property provided said activities take place 13
only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, except on a City-14
recognized holiday, or between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00) p.m. on Saturday, Sunday or a 15
City-recognized holiday. 16
Activities of the federal, state, or local government and its duly franchised utilities. 17
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Activities necessary to continue to provide utility services to the general public, whether this 1
service is installing additional facilities, restoring worn or damaged facilities, and/or maintaining 2
existing services. 3
4
Since the proposed project would involve installing additional facilities to provide utility services to the 5
general public, the construction activities proposed within the City of San Clemente would be exempted 6
from the exterior noise standards. Operational activities would be subject to the standards presented in 7
Tables 4.11-9 and 4.11-10, while maintenance activities would be excepted if they take place within the 8
days and times indicated above. 9
10
Table 4.11-9 Maximum Noise Emission Levels from General Construction Equipment
Equipment Maximum Noise Level at 50 feet
from source (Lmax, dBA) Air Compressor 81
Auger Drill Rig 84
Backhoe 80
Boring Jack Power Unit 83
Compactor 82
Concrete Mixer 85
Concrete Pump 82
Crane, Derrick 88
Crane, Mobile 83
Dozer 85
Excavator 81
Generator 81
Grader 85
Impact Wrench 85
Jack Hammer 88
Loader 85
Paver 89
Pneumatic Tool 85
Pump 76
Rock Drill 98
Roller 74
Saw 76
Scarifier 83
Scraper 89
Truck 88 Source: FHWA 2006
Key:
dBA = A-weighted decibels
Lmax = maximum sound level
11
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4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-11 DRAFT EIR
Table 4.11-10 Estimated Construction Noise Estimates per Project Component
Project Component Noisiest Activity Closest Sensitive Receptor
Distance to Closest
Receptor Property
Line (feet)
Estimated Combined Noise at Receptor (dBA, Leq)
Applicable Daytime
Noise Standard
(dB)
Applicable Nighttime
Noise Standard
(dB)
Substations
San Juan Capistrano
Substation
Above grade construction Residences on Paseo Mar Azul 18 101 65 55
Talega Substation
Modifications
Above grade construction Residences along Christianitos South
Trail
1,355 62 55 50
Transmission Lines
Segment 1a Removal of structures Residences on Paseo Mar Azul 18 96 65 55
Segment 1b Removal of structures Residence on Calle Santa Rosalia 18 96 65 55
Segment 2 Removal of steel riser structures San Juan Hills High School 10 105 65 55
Segment 3 Site grading/ access roads/ retaining
walls
Residence on Via Villena 45 93 55 50
Segment 4 Site grading/ access roads/ retaining
walls
Bella Colina Towne & Golf Club 230 78 55 50
Distribution Line Segments
Segment A Underground construction Community center/recreation area 50(a) 86 65 55
Segment B Underground construction Junipero Serra Park 50(a) 86 65 55
Segment C Overhead construction at each pole
site Junipero Serra Park 50(a) 86 65 55
Segment D Underground construction Marbella Country Club 70 83 65 55
Segment E Underground construction Zoe Church 95 81 65 55
Segment F Underground construction Residences along south-/southeast
side of Highway 74
50 86 65 55
Segment G Underground construction Residence west of Antonio Parkway 2,347 53 55 50
Segment H Underground construction San Juan Hills High School 625 64 65 55
Segment I Underground construction San Juan Hills High School 600 65 65 55
Segment J Removal of underground line Residence at intersection of Via
Pamplona and Via Zamora
75 83 65 55
Segment K Underground construction Residence at Via Zamora and Via
Granada
646 64 65 55
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-12 DRAFT EIR
Table 4.11-10 Estimated Construction Noise Estimates per Project Component
Project Component Noisiest Activity Closest Sensitive Receptor
Distance to Closest
Receptor Property
Line (feet)
Estimated Combined Noise at Receptor (dBA, Leq)
Applicable Daytime
Noise Standard
(dB)
Applicable Nighttime
Noise Standard
(dB)
Segment L Overhead construction at each pole
site
Residence at eastern end of Paseo
Palmar
704 63 65 55
Segment M Underground construction Residence at intersection of
Christianitos South Trail and Avenida
Pico
779 62 55 50
Helicopter Fly Yards
Staging Area 2 Helicopter ingress/egress to/from fly
yard
Residence on Via Granada 1,500 58(b) 65 55
Storage area south of
Margarita Substation
Helicopter ingress/egress to/from fly
yard
Residence west of Antonio Parkway 640 66(b) 55 50
Storage area west of
Rancho Mission Viejo
Substation
Helicopter ingress/egress to/from fly
yard
Residence east of Antonio Parkway
(on Abarrola Street)
5,000 48(b) 55 50
Staging Area 5 Helicopter ingress/egress to/from fly
yard
Residence at intersection of
Christianitos South Trail and Avenida
Pico
540 67(b) 55 50
Key:
dB = decibels
FAA = Federal Aviation Administration
Leq = Sound Equivalent Level
Bolded font indicates the Estimated Combined Noise at Receptor
Notes: (a) Transmission line construction in the Junipero Serra Park would require a six-week closure of Serra Park. It has been assumed that works crossing the community center/recreation area and
other public recreational areas would also require access restrictions during construction. As a worst-case scenario, it has been assumed that the minimum distance to a sensitive receptor in
public parks is 50 feet. (b) Worst-case selected: helicopter maximum noise levels from a Sikorsky S61 hovering at 5 feet from the ground. Based on data published in FAA Report FAA-RD-77-57 (Helicopter Noise
Measurements Data Volume II).
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-13 DRAFT EIR
1
4.11.3 Impact Analysis 2
3
4.11.3.1 Methodology and Significance Criteria 4
5
Evaluation of noise and vibration impacts from the proposed project’s construction, operation, and 6
maintenance included the review of relevant city and county noise standards, as well as the existing noise 7
environment within the proposed project area and the estimation of projected noise levels from 8
equipment, vehicles, and activities. County and project maps and satellite images were reviewed to 9
determine the distance of proposed project components to sensitive receptors. Based on the distance from 10
each proposed project components and the closest sensitive receptors and the applicant’s equipment list 11
per project component, predicted noise and vibration levels—as perceived by the closest receptors—12
were estimated and compared with applicable standards, guidelines, and the criteria above to determine 13
the significance of potential noise impacts. 14
15
Reference noise levels were obtained from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA 2006) Roadway 16
Construction Noise Model User’s Guide, which provides a comprehensive assessment of noise level 17
usage factors for construction equipment. Based on the list of equipment proposed for project 18
construction, maximum noise emission levels were defined based on the reference values in the guide, 19
and potential combined equipment levels at various distances were estimated. The noise levels generated 20
by construction were analyzed using a construction noise model to determine projected noise levels at 21
various distances and receptor locations during a typical hour of construction. The algorithm in the model 22
considered construction equipment noise specification data, usage factors, and the relative distances of 23
the noise sensitive receptor to the source of noise. Similarly, the vibration analysis was performed based 24
on reference vibration levels obtained from the FTA (2006) Transit Noise and Vibration Impact 25
Assessment, which provides reference vibration levels at 50 feet from typical construction equipment and 26
impact criteria. Based on the FTA vibration impact assessment methodology and reference values at 50 27
feet from the source, potential vibration levels at various distances were estimated. 28
29
Potential noise and vibration impacts were evaluated according to the following significance criteria. The 30
criteria were defined based on the checklist items presented in Appendix G of the California 31
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. The proposed project would cause a significant impact 32
on visual resources if it would: 33
34
A. Expose persons to, or generate, noise levels in excess of standards established in the local 35
general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies. 36
B. Expose persons to, or generate, excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels. 37
C. Cause a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above 38
levels that would exist without the project. 39
D. Cause a substantial temporary increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels 40
that would exist without the project. 41
42
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-14 DRAFT EIR
Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines also includes the following checklist items. The proposed project 1
would cause a significant impact on visual resources if it would: 2
3
Expose people residing near or working on the project to excessive noise levels, for a project 4
located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two 5
miles of a public airport or public use airport; and 6
Expose people residing near or working on the project to excessive noise levels, for a project 7
within the vicinity of a private airstrip. 8
9
The proposed project would not be located within an area subject to an airport’s land use plans, nor are 10
any of the project components located within 2 miles of any public or public use airports, or private 11
airstrips. The closest airport in Orange County (John Wayne Airport) is located approximately 15 miles 12
away from the proposed project, and the closest airport in San Diego County (McClellan-Palomar 13
Airport) is located more than 20 miles away. In addition, as described in Section 2, “Project 14
Description,” airports that may be used for helicopter staging and landing zones for material pickup may 15
include Oceanside Airport (located 26 miles away from Talega Substation); Palomar Airport (located 32 16
miles away from Talega Substation); and Gillespie Field Airport (located 55 miles away southeast of 17
Talega substation).Therefore, these checklist items are not applied as criteria for the analysis of 18
environmental impacts in this resource section. 19
20
4.11.3.2 Applicant Proposed Measures 21
22
The applicant has committed to the following Applicant Proposed Measure (APM) as part of the design 23
of the proposed project. See Section 2.6, “Applicant Procedures, Plans, Standards, and Proposed 24
Measures,” for a complete description of each project commitment. 25
26
APM NOISE-1: Nighttime and Weekend Activities. Any endeavors during the construction phase 27
wherein nighttime and/or weekend activities are necessary (such as due to Caltrans transportation 28
constraints for conductor stringing (I-5) or oversized/ overweight loads or CAISO outage constraints) 29
would be limited to the extent feasible so that noise would not exceed the pertinent maximum noise 30
level limits or the hourly L50 limits when measured at the nearest residential property. For example, 31
to minimize potential noise disturbances during nighttime deliveries of transformers, the applicant 32
would make every reasonable effort to minimize the duration of trucking activities at the project site. 33
This would entail pulling delivery vehicles onto the project site, parking them overnight, and 34
unloading/installing the item(s) during normal, daytime construction hours. If nighttime or weekend 35
activities cannot be conducted to meet the city’s noise standards, SDG&E would communicate the 36
exception to the appropriate local agency at least 24 hours in advance of conducting work that may 37
exceed the threshold(s). 38
39
Additionally, the applicant would prepare and implement a Helicopter Life Plan as detailed in Section 40
2.4.6, “Helicopter Use.” The Helicopter Lift Plan would include, among other sections, Project 41
Helicopter Operations; General Use Restrictions and Regulatory Compliance; Landing Areas; Personal 42
Protective Equipment; Landing Zone Limitations; Performance Planning and Weight and Balance; Fire 43
Prevention Procedures; and Congested Area Plans. 44
45
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-15 DRAFT EIR
4.11.3.3 Impact Discussion 1
2
Construction Noise Overview 3
Construction of the proposed project would take place over a total period of 64 months, as detailed in 4
Table 2-6 in Section 2, “Project Description.” Construction equipment operation, use of heavy-duty 5
vehicles, grading and road work, foundation installation, horizontal directional drilling, underground 6
construction, and helicopter use would be the primary sources of noise and vibration associated with 7
construction for the proposed project components. Noise levels resulting from construction equipment 8
are dependent on several factors, including the number and type of equipment operating, the level of 9
operation, and the distance between sources and receptors. During a specific period of time, the loudest 10
piece of equipment to be used during construction would contribute more to a composite average or 11
equivalent site noise level than other equipment with quieter levels. General construction equipment and 12
the typical noise levels associated with their use are presented in Table 4.11-9. 13
14
Heavy construction equipment typically generates noise levels up to approximately 95 dBA at a distance 15
of 50 feet from the source. During a typical day, no equipment would be operated continuously at peak 16
levels. While the average noise levels would represent a noticeable temporary increase in the ambient 17
noise levels near the construction sites, the noise would attenuate with increasing distance, fading into 18
the ambient noise background levels at distances over 0.5 miles from the loudest equipment. Generally, 19
airborne noise decreases by 6 dBA with each doubling of the distance. Aside from general surface 20
construction as described above, there would be underground construction. Noise sources associated with 21
underground construction and the use of helicopters are described below. 22
23
Underground Construction 24
Construction of the new proposed underground transmission and distribution lines segments would 25
involve the use of either open cut or jack and bore trenching techniques. These underground techniques 26
would use noise- and vibration-generating equipment, including jackhammers, backhoes, augers, drilling 27
machines, rigging trucks, road graders, rollers, vibration plates, bobcats, and generators, among other 28
general equipment presented in Table 4.11-9. Maximum noise emission levels (Lmax) for the equipment 29
used during underground construction range from 80 to 89 dBA at 50 feet (FHWA 2006). 30
31
Helicopter Use 32
Depending on site accessibility, safety considerations, and the construction schedule, helicopters may be 33
used to complete transmission line structure assembly and erection, wire stringing, and structure removal 34
activities. Helicopters may also be used to transport crews and materials. Helicopters are not anticipated 35
to be used for construction of 12-kilovolt (kV) distribution structures. 36
37
The following types of helicopters could be used during construction of the proposed project: 38
39
Heavy Duty (Type 1): Erickson Aircrane, Boeing CH-47, or similar helicopter models would be 40
used for heavy lift operations with weights in excess of 11,000 pounds. 41
Medium Duty (Type 2): Sikorsky S-61, Bell 205/212, or similar helicopter models would be used 42
for medium lift operations with weights ranging from 6,000 to 11,000 pounds. 43
Light Duty (Type 3): AS350, MD500, KMAX, or similar helicopters would be used for light lifts 44
and for wire stringing and personnel transport. 45
46
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-16 DRAFT EIR
Throughout the year, helicopters would be used for approximately 168 hours of rotor time to support the 1
proposed 230-kV stringing activities. Helicopters would be used for additional periods as needed for 2
structure installation and removal. Up to three helicopters may be used in a single day if wire stringing 3
occurs along multiple transmission line sections on the same day that a helicopter is in use for pole 4
removal and installation. 5
6
Helicopters would only be used during daylight hours, and helicopter flight paths would be limited to 7
existing transmission line rights-of-way (ROWs) except for ingress to and egress from airports or 8
helicopter fly yards. The applicant would prepare a Helicopter Lift Plan to minimize potential impacts 9
caused by the use of a helicopter. 10
11
Helicopter noise perceived by people on the ground depends upon a number of variables, such as altitude, 12
flyover speed and direction, and whether the helicopter is taking off or landing. Heavy duty (Type 1) 13
helicopters, such as the Boeing CH-47, would produce a maximum sound level of 91 dBA while 14
hovering at 5 feet from the ground and 97.5 dBA at 500 feet1 (FAA 1977). Medium duty helicopters, 15
such as the Sikorsky S61 would produce a maximum sound level of 95 dBA while hovering at 5 feet 16
from the ground and 90.5 at 500 feet (FAA 1977). Light duty helicopters produce a maximum sound 17
level of 75 dBA at a distance of 500 feet under level flight conditions (Nelson 1987). 18
19
Nighttime Construction 20
The applicant does not anticipate nighttime construction for the proposed substation, transmission lines, 21
or 12-kV distribution lines. However, construction could occur at night and on weekends, especially 22
during periods when the applicant switches from the old facilities to the proposed new facilities. Night 23
and weekend work would be required to accommodate delivery of the transformers at the proposed San 24
Juan Capistrano Substation. In addition, the delivery of oversized/overweight loads may also occur at 25
night or on weekends. 26
27
If it should be necessary for construction to occur at night or on weekends, the applicant would limit such 28
activities to the extent feasible so that noise would not exceed the applicable maximum noise level limits 29
or the hourly L50 limits when measured at the nearest property residence. If nighttime or weekend 30
activities cannot be conducted to meet the City noise standards, the applicant would communicate the 31
exception to the applicable jurisdiction with a minimum of 24 hours prior to conducting the work that 32
may exceed the thresholds. 33
34
Summary of Project-related Noise Levels 35
Table 4.11-10 shows the predicted noise levels from the noisiest construction activities as perceived at 36
the closest sensitive receptors identified in Table 4.11-4, using the methodology described in Section 37
4.11.3.1. Detailed tables showing all noise estimates for each construction activity based on the 38
applicant’s equipment list are provided in Appendix N. In addition to the equipment to be used in 39
construction sites, noise from trucks, commuter vehicles, and other on-road equipment would occur along 40
streets and access roads in the project area, with estimated peak levels of approximately 88 dBA at 50 41
feet from the source (FTA 2006). Noise from vehicles and on-road equipment at closest sensitive 42
receptors would vary depending on road conditions, traffic volume, speed, and presence of noise barriers. 43
44
For the purposes of this analysis, when a project component would be located in close proximity to 45
recreational and residential or school receptors, it has been assumed that residences and schools would be 46
1 Data measured by the Federal Aviation Administration with a microphone located 150 meters to the west of the
centerline of the helicopter fly path, on existing surface.
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-17 DRAFT EIR
more sensitive to construction noise than would recreational users. This assumption is based on the fact 1
that access to parks that would be crossed by the proposed new transmission and/or distribution lines 2
would be temporarily restricted; therefore, the exposure of recreational receptors to construction noise 3
would occur over a shorter period of time compared to the exposure of a residential dweller or students 4
and staff at schools. For estimation of noise levels at open space/recreational areas, it has been assumed 5
as a worst-case scenario that the minimum distance to a sensitive receptor in public parks would be 50 6
feet. 7
8
Additionally, to evaluate noise from helicopter activities, it has been assumed as a worst case scenario 9
that residences and schools would be more sensitive to noise from helicopters’ ingress/egress and 10
hovering at designated fly yards and construction sites compared to helicopter flyovers, since the latter 11
occur in a shorter period of time. 12
13
Operations Noise Overview 14
The three potential sources of operational noise associated with the proposed project are: 1) corona noise 15
from the 230/138-kV transmission lines segments; 2) transformer noise from San Juan Capistrano and 16
Talega Substations; and 3) maintenance noise. These noise sources are discussed below. 17
18
Corona noise 19
The corona effect is the ionization of the air that occurs at the surface of the energized conductor and 20
suspension hardware due to very high electric field strength at the surface of the metal during certain 21
conditions. The corona discharge occurs at the conductor surface, representing a small dissipation of heat 22
and energy in the form of local pressure changes that may result in noise or radio and television 23
interference. The corona discharge occurs on most of transmission lines, but becomes more noticeable at 24
higher voltages (345 kV and higher) and during wet and humid conditions. Under these conditions, noise 25
during operation may be heard in the immediate vicinity of transmission lines and substation equipment, 26
and this noise is generally characterized as a crackling or hissing sound that may be accompanied by a 27
120-hertz hum. 28
29
The proposed project would operate new or modified 230-kV and 138-kV transmission and 12-kV 30
distribution lines, adding potential new corona noise sources in the area. The corona produced by a 31
power line is a function of the conductor’s condition, voltage, diameter, and elevation, and the local 32
weather conditions. Corona noise is most noticeable when the conductor is wet, such as during rain or 33
fog; however, during fair weather, insects and dust on the conductors can also contribute to this effect. 34
Corona noise is also a function of the electromagnetic field at the surface of the conductor, which is not 35
an issue of concern for underground lines; therefore, corona noise would not be noticeable along the 36
proposed underground transmission and distribution lines segments. Additionally, due to the lower 37
voltage associated with the proposed transmission, distribution, and telecommunication lines, corona 38
noise is not anticipated to be audible for this project. Corona noise from a similar 230-kV line loop in 39
operation has been estimated using computer modeling and reported as 46.6 to 49.6 dBA during wet 40
weather conditions and 21.6 to 24.6 dBA in fair weather within the transmission line ROW (PG&E 41
2010), which for the purposes of this analysis has been assumed at a minimum distance of 25 feet from 42
the centerline. Table 4.11-11 shows the estimated corona noise reduction per distance based on the 43
reference levels cited above. The applicant conducted an audible noise analysis due to transmission line 44
corona effect at three locations along the proposed 230-kV transmission segments (Power Engineers 45
2015). Results from this analysis show that corona noise is more prevalent during foul weather and 46
would be 44 dBA, L50 at the edge of the proposed transmission segments ROWs (150 feet width for the 47
proposed segments up to 350 feet when paralleling existing SCE transmission lines). Table 4.11-11 48
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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shows the calculated corona noise at the edge of the proposed segments ROW and the estimated noise 1
reduction over distance. 2
3
Table 4.11-11 Estimated Corona Noise Levels from 230-kV Transmission Lines Segments
Reference Corona Noise Levels within ROWa
(dB at 25 feet)b
Estimated Noise Reduction (dB) per Distance (Feet)
50 100 200 400
230-kV Line in Fair Weather 24.6 19 13 7 1
230-kV Line in Wet Weather 49.6 44 38 32 26 Key:
dB = decibels
kV = kilovolt
PG&E = Pacific Gas and Electric Company
ROW = right-of-way
Notes:
(a) Noise values reported by PG&E for 230-kV transmission lines experiencing corona activity, based on computer
modeling results developed by the Bonneville Power Administration.
(b) Average distance from the 230-kV transmission centerline assumed as 25% of the total ROW width, or 25 feet.
4
Table 4.11-11 Calculated Corona Noise Modeling Results in Wet Weather (dBA, L50)
Reference Corona Noise Levels at the Edge of the Proposed 230-kV Transmission Segment ROWa
(dBAb)
Estimated Noise Reduction (dBA) per Distance from the Centerline (Feet)
100 200 300 400
Case 1: New 230-kV double-circuit
transmission line paralleling a 12-kV
transmission line
44.2 41.7 35.7 32.2 29.7
Case 2: New double circuit 230-kV
transmission line paralleling an existing
double circuit 138-kV structure
44.3 41.8 35.8 32.3 29.8
Case 3: New 230-kV double circuit
transmission lines paralleling existing SCE
transmission corridor adjacent to a housing
development
43.1 40.6 34.6 31.1 28.6
Source: Power Engineers 2015
Key:
dB = decibels
kV = kilovolt
ROW = right-of-wayL50 = noise level exceeded for 50% of the measurement duration.
Notes:
(a) Results reported by Power Engineers and SDG&E based on audible noise modeling using the Bonneville Power Administration's
Corona and Field Effects Program (CAFEP) software.
(b) For the purposes of this modeling, the applicant assumed that the SDG&W ROW width is 150 feet. When the proposed segments
parallel existing SCE transmission lines, the ROW width extends an additional 200 feet.
5
Transformer Noise and Vibration 6
The transformer banks are anticipated to be the dominant operational noise and vibration source at 7
substations. The proposed San Juan Capistrano substation would operate two 230/138-kV 352-megavolt 8
ampere (MVA) transformers and three 138/12-kV 30-MVA transformers continuously, during daytime 9
and nighttime hours. Both sets of transformers would be surrounded by 32- by 16-foot-tall firewalls and 10
in the vicinity of metal-sided gas-insulated switchgear equipment buildings. Talega Substation currently 11
houses two 230/138-kV 392-MVA transformers, one 230/138-kV 168-MVA transformer, one 230/138-12
kV 150-MVA transformer, and one 138/69-kV 25-MVA transformer. 13
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
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1
Transformers emit a characteristic hum resulting from magnetostrictive forces that cause the core of the 2
transformer to vibrate. In simple terms, a transformer core is made of multiple sheets of specially 3
designed steel that extend and contract due to the flux of alternating current (i.e., become magnetized), 4
producing noise and mechanical vibrations (Federal Pacific n.d.). In addition, transformer cooling fans 5
produce semi-continuous noise. Oil pumps used to cool transformers during periods of high electrical 6
demands also contribute to the operational noise at substations (McDonald 2007). The amount of noise 7
generated by a transformer is generally fixed by design, and vibration is generally reduced by isolating 8
the core and coils from the ground using anti-vibration pads (Federal Pacific n.d.). 9
10
It is anticipated that the substation transformers to be installed at the proposed San Juan Capistrano 11
Substation would not exceed the values specified by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association 12
(NEMA) Standards Publication No. TR-1-1993 (R2000): Transformers, Regulators, and Reactors. The 13
NEMA Standards maximum sound levels applicable to the proposed project’s oil-immersed transformers 14
are 91 dB at 1 foot for ratings between 300 and 400 MVA, and 80 dB at 1 foot for ratings between 33 15
and 41 MVA (NEMA 2000). The transformer banks at the proposed San Juan Capistrano Substation 16
would be surrounded by 32- by 16-foot-tall firewalls and additional metal structures and other buffer 17
areas considered as part of the substation design. For the purposes of this analysis, it has been assumed 18
that the presence of the 32- by 16-foot-tall firewalls would provide an additional 10 dB reduction 19
(FHWA 2006). Table 4.11-12 shows estimated operational combined noise from transformers proposed 20
at San Juan Capistrano Substation. 21
22
Table 4.11-12 Estimated Combined Transformer Noise Levels at the San Juan Capistrano Substation
Estimated Combined Sound Level (dB at 1 feet)a
Estimated Sound Level Reduction (dB) per Distance (feet)b
20 50 100 200 300 500 1000
230/138-kV 352 MVA Transformers (2 Units) 94 58 50 44 38 34 30 24
138/12-kV 30 MVA Transformer (3 Units) 85 49 41 35 29 25 21 15
ALL TRANSFORMERS (5 Units) 94.5 58 51 44 38 35 31 24
Key:
dB = decibels
kV = kilovolts
MVA = megavolt ampere
NEMA = National Electrical Manufacturers Association
Notes:
(a) Average sound level per Table 0-2 of the NEMA Standard Publication No. TR-1-1993 (R2000): Transformers, Regulators, and
Reactors.
(b) Assumes 10-dB attenuation due to presence of 32- by 16-foot-tall firewalls per transformer bank proposed at San Juan Capistrano
Substation.
23
Maintenance Noise 24
Maintenance activities would involve routine inspection and preventive maintenance to ensure service 25
reliability and emergency work as needed to maintain or restore service. Maintenance activities at San 26
Juan Capistrano and Talega substations would be short in duration (one week for annual maintenance). 27
Maintenance activities on the transmission lines are primarily inspection-related and would occur at least 28
once per year by driving and/or flying the line routes; therefore, helicopter and vehicle use would be 29
primary noise sources during maintenance activities. Other maintenance activities include the inspection 30
and repair of telecommunication components, which would occur once per year at each substation. 31
32
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FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-20 DRAFT EIR
4.11.3.4 Environmental Impacts 1
2
Impact NV-1: Noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or 3
noise ordinance. 4
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION 5
6
As shown in Table 4.11-10, sensitive receptors located between 18 and 230 feet from the proposed 7
construction sites would be exposed to construction noise levels in excess of the applicable exterior noise 8
standards for residential uses described in Section 4.11.2.3. However, as shown in Table 4.11-13, the 9
noise ordinances applicable at all jurisdictions where the project would be constructed have established 10
exemptions for construction noise, if work is performed within daytime hours and specific timeframes. 11
12
Table 4.11-13 Construction Hours per Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Allowable Construction Hours County of Orange Weekdays: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
City of San Juan Capistrano Weekdays: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
City San Clemente Weekdays: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
13
The applicant anticipates that most of the construction required for the proposed substation, transmission 14
lines, and distribution lines would occur during daytime hours Monday through Saturday. Therefore, 15
under most conditions, construction would be conducted in compliance with local noise standards. 16
17
However, construction may occur at night and on weekends, when the applicant would shift from the use 18
of old facilities to the proposed new facilities; during the delivery of the transformers; and during the 19
delivery of other oversized/overweight loads (in compliance with Caltrans requirements). When 20
nighttime hours and weekends are necessary, the applicant would implement APM NOISE-1 to limit such 21
activities to the extent feasible so that noise would not exceed the pertinent maximum noise level limits 22
or the hourly L50 limits established by the applicable city ordinance when measured at the nearest 23
property residence. Since the proposed project has the potential to exceed the local applicable noise 24
standards during certain construction activity proposed for nights and weekends, implementation of 25
Mitigation Measure (MM) NV-1, described in Section 4.11.4 is required to ensure that the applicant 26
obtains an authorization from the local jurisdiction prior to conducting works outside allowable 27
construction hours, informs closest sensitive receptors with sufficient notice about construction works at 28
night and on weekends, and conducts noise monitoring during such activities to ensure that pertinent 29
noise exterior limits are not exceeded. With implementation of MM NV-1, impacts would be less than 30
significant under this criterion. 31
32
Operation of the proposed project would result in an increase of ambient noise at some project locations 33
due to transformer noise at San Juan Capistrano Substation and corona noise from overhead 230-kV 34
transmission lines. As shown in Tables 4.11-11 and 4.11-12, the proposed project’s operational sources 35
would have the potential to exceed nighttime standards of 45 dBA only at receptors located less than 100 36
feet from the proposed San Juan Capistrano Substation site and less than 45 feet from the proposed 37
overhead 230-kV transmission line segments operating during wet weather conditions. 38
39
Continuous operation of the San Juan Capistrano Substation would increase ambient noise levels as a 40
result of transformer “hum” and cooling fan noise. During project operations, it is anticipated that five 41
substation transformers would be installed at the proposed San Juan Capistrano Substation with 42
estimated combined levels of 94.5 dBA at 1 foot. The transformer banks at the proposed San Juan 43
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-21 DRAFT EIR
Capistrano Substation would be surrounded by 32- by 16-foot-tall firewalls and additional metal 1
structures and additional buffer areas. The presence of walls and surrounding structures would provide 2
additional noise attenuation, with a reduction effectiveness of 10 dBA (FTA 2006). Estimated 3
operational noise levels and their attenuation over distance are shown in Table 4.11-12. However, actual 4
transformer noise levels from the operation of San Juan Capistrano Substation would depend on final 5
design and equipment selection. 6
7
Table 4.11-12 shows that the projected operational noise levels would exceed the City of San Juan 8
Capistrano’s exterior noise standards only for sensitive receptors located less than 100 feet from the 9
230/138-kV and 138/12-kV transformer banks at the proposed San Juan Capistrano Substation. Since the 10
actual location of the proposed transformer banks and distances to closest sensitive receptors would 11
depend on final project design, there is a potential for the proposed project to exceed the nighttime 12
exterior noise standards set by the City of San Juan Capistrano from 10:00 pm to 7:00 a.m. MM NV-2 13
would require the applicant to ensure that the final substation layout includes appropriate setbacks for the 14
230/138-kV and 138/12-kV transformer banks. With implementation of MM NV-2, potential impacts 15
from operational noise at San Juan Capistrano Substation would be reduced to less than significant under 16
this criterion. 17 18
As shown in Table 4.11-3, the closest residential receptor to an overhead 230-kV transmission line is 19
located in the city of San Clemente, 45 feet away from the proposed Segment 3 alignment. At this 20
receptor, the estimated corona noise level during wet weather conditions would be 44 dBA, which would 21
comply with the City of San Clemente’s exterior noise standards. Corona noise associated with the 22
operation of the 230-kV underground transmission lines, 138-kV transmission lines, and 12-kV 23
distribution line segments is not anticipated to be generally audible and therefore would not be 24
significant. Therefore, no significant impacts would occur during operation of the proposed transmission 25
and distribution line segments under this criterion. 26
27
Operation of the modified Talega Substation would not produce additional noise compared to existing 28
operations. The nearest residential receptors are located 1,355 feet away from Talega Substation. The 29
projected transformer noise level as perceived by these receptors would be 21 dBA; operational source as 30
perceived at this receptor would be in compliance with the County of Orange exterior noise standards. 31
Therefore, there would be no impacts from Talega Substation operations under this criterion. 32
33
Maintenance activities would be sources of noise. Noise from maintenance activities would primarily 34
result from routine inspection and maintenance of the substations and transmission and distribution lines. 35
Noise sources would be vehicles, mobile equipment, and helicopters. Maintenance of the proposed 36
project components may create short-term increases in noise at sensitive receptors located in the 37
immediate vicinity of the work areas. However, maintenance would be infrequent, intermittent, and short 38
term. The applicant would be required to comply with the City of San Juan Capistrano’s requirements for 39
cumulative noise exceedances over short periods of time. In addition, all maintenance to be performed 40
within the City of San Clemente would be exempted from noise standards. Therefore, noise from 41
maintenance activities would be less than significant under this criterion. 42
43
The applicant would be required to comply with the County of Orange, City of San Juan Capistrano, and 44
City of San Clemente allowable timeframes for construction, exterior noise standards, and maximum 45
cumulative noise level exceedances allowed for specific periods of times. To ensure compliance with the 46
applicable noise ordinances during construction and operation, the applicant will be required to 47
implement MM NV-1 and MM NV-2. Therefore, construction and operational noise impacts would be 48
less than significant with mitigation under this criterion. 49
50
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-22 DRAFT EIR
Impact NV-2: Excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels. 1
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION 2
3
Vibration could occur during construction or operations, but would primarily occur during construction. 4
Construction vibration would occur mainly from the use of heavy-duty construction equipment (e.g., 5
trucks, backhoes, excavators, loaders, and cranes), including those used for underground construction. 6
Additional construction ground vibration sources include the tamping or compacting of ground surfaces, 7
the passing of heavy trucks on uneven surfaces, the excavation of trenches, and jack and boring 8
procedures, and these would also create perceptible vibration in the immediate vicinity of the proposed 9
project construction sites. Vehicle and heavy duty truck use during the proposed project construction 10
would generate a continuous but relatively low level of vibration. Typical vibration average source levels 11
at 25 feet from construction equipment in VdB (human annoyance parameter) and PPV (structural 12
damage parameter) are provided in Table 4.11-14. The groundborne vibration impact assessment criteria 13
are identified in Table 4.11-15. 14
15
Table 4.11-14 Reference vibration source levels for project construction equipment
Equipment Type
Reference PPV (in/sec)
Vibration Level at Closest Receptors (VdB)
25 feet 25 feet 50 feet 100 feet 500 feet 1000 feet
Large bulldozer 0.089 87 78 69 39 21
Loaded trucks 0.076 86 77 68 38 20
Jackhammer 0.035 79 70 61 31 13
Small bulldozer 0.003 58 49 40 10 0
Vibratory roller 0.210 94 85 76 46 28
Source: FTA 2006.
Key:
PPV = peak particle velocity
VdB = vibration velocity levels measured in inches per second or in decibels
Note:
Vibration level at closest receptors estimated based on FTA’s annoyance assessment for vibration-sensitive sites.
16
Table 4.11-15 Groundborne Vibration Impact General Assessment Criteria
Land Use Category
Impact Levels
Frequent Eventsa
Occasional Eventsb
Infrequent Eventsc
Residences and places where
people normally sleep 72 VdB 75 VdB 80 VdB
Source: FTA 2006.
Key:
PPV = peak particle velocity
VdB = vibration velocity levels measured in inches per second or in decibels
Notes:
(a) Frequent events: more than 70 vibration events of the same source per day.
(b) Occasional events: between 30 and 70 vibration events of the same source per day.
(c) Infrequent events: less than 30 vibration events of the same kind per day.
17
The proposed project’s heavy-duty equipment and vehicles would generate vibration levels range 18
between 60 to 94 VdB (equivalent to 0 to 0.012 inches/second in a range of 1 to 100 hertz) during short-19
term construction activities. As shown in Table 4.11-10, operation of construction equipment causes 20
ground vibrations that decrease in strength over distance (FTA 2006). Most construction activities would 21
be restricted to daytime hours, and although construction would occur over a 64-month period, 22
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-23 DRAFT EIR
construction at any one location would be short term (one to two weeks) at most of the proposed 1
transmission and distribution line segment locations. As shown in Tables 4.11-14 and 4.11-15, most of 2
the vibratory equipment to be used would generate levels noticeable for sensitive receptors located with 3
25 and 50 feet, except at underground construction sites where paving rollers would be used. The 4
applicant anticipates that events involving maximum vibration levels would occur infrequently, that is, 5
fewer than 30 vibration events of the same kind per day and during allowable construction hours, 6
reducing potential impacts during the most sensitive times of the day. 7
8
As indicated in Table 4.11-4, residential receptors would be located 18 feet from the proposed San Juan 9
Capistrano Substation site, within 50 feet from two underground transmission line segments, and within 10
100 feet from four of the proposed distribution line segments. The applicant would avoid nighttime 11
construction to the extent feasible and would conduct underground construction near residential areas in 12
short periods of time, resulting in infrequent events of maximum vibration. Since nighttime and 13
underground construction would still occur in the proximity of residential areas, there is the potential to 14
exceed existing groundborne vibration levels during these events. To reduce potential impacts of 15
excessive vibration, implementation of MM-NV3 includes the development of a vibration monitoring 16
plan during final design and the implementation of a compliance monitoring plan during construction. 17
After implementation of the applicant’s practices and MM-NV3, groundborne vibration impacts 18
associated with the construction of the proposed project would be less than significant. 19
20
Groundborne vibration generated from the proposed project operations would be minimal and would 21
result primarily from maintenance vehicles and equipment. In general, substations are designed to not 22
generate perceptible vibration because vibration would damage substation equipment; transformers are 23
typically built with anti-vibratory pads to reduce potential effects due to mechanical vibration. 24
Groundborne vibration and groundborne noise associated with vehicles and heavy-duty equipment to be 25
used during maintenance activities would be short term and would occur on an intermittent basis. 26
Additionally, any potential vibration would occur during daytime hours. Therefore, operation of the 27
project would result in a less than significant impact under this criterion. 28
29
Impact NV-3: Permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity. 30
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION 31
32
Construction of the proposed project would not be permanent, although overall construction activities 33
would last up to 64 months, resulting in a prolonged exposure to construction noise at specific work sites, 34
such as San Juan Capistrano Substation. In the long term, operation of the proposed project would result 35
in an increase of ambient noise at some locations due to transformer noise from the substation operations 36
and corona noise from overhead 230-kV transmission lines. Corona noise associated with the operation 37
of the 230-kV underground transmission lines, 138-kV transmission lines, and 12-kV distribution line 38
segments is not anticipated to be generally audible and therefore would not be significant. 39
40
To analyze the potential permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity, cumulative 41
noise exposure criteria published by the FTA has been considered. Based on general community 42
reactions to noise at varying levels, the FTA has published a cumulative noise level curve (Figure 43
4.11-1), which shows that for ambient noise levels such as those existing at the suburban locations, a 44
noise exposure increase of more than 15 dB would result in a severe impact. Based on this methodology, 45
in areas where the existing noise exposure is below or at 45 dBA, a noise exposure increase of less than 46
8 dBA would be noticeable but would be considered less than significant. 47
48
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-24 DRAFT EIR
1 Figure 4.11-1 Increase in Cumulative Noise Levels Allowed by Criteria (dBA) 2
(Source: FTA 2006) 3 4
According to ambient noise measurements conducted by the applicant (Table 4.11-3), noise levels near 5
the proposed San Juan Capistrano substation range between 44 dBA (lowest nighttime level) and 66 dBA 6
(highest daytime level). Table 4.11-12 shows that operational noise from the proposed San Juan 7
Capistrano Substation would not exceed ambient noise levels at receptors located more than 100 feet 8
from the 230/138-kV and 138/12-kV transformer banks. Since the actual location of the proposed 9
transformer banks and distances to closest sensitive receptors would depend on final project design, the 10
proposed project has the potential to cause a permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project 11
vicinity. The applicant would build two 32- by 16-foot-tall firewalls surrounding each set of transformer 12
banks, and this equipment would be located in the vicinity of metal-sided gas-insulated switchgear 13
equipment buildings. In addition, as discussed in Impact NV-1, the San Juan Capistrano Substation 14
nighttime operations would be required to comply with the City of San Juan Capistrano exterior noise 15
standards, which have been established to ensure that cumulative exposure levels are below or equal to 16
45 dBA during the period of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Implementation of MM NV-2 would ensure that 17
permanent nighttime operational noise levels would be below or equal to 45 dBA; therefore, the San Juan 18
Capistrano Substation would result in a less than significant impact with mitigation under this criterion. 19
20
Operation of the modified Talega Substation would not produce additional noise compared to existing 21
operations. The nearest residential receptors are located 1,355 feet away from Talega Substation. The 22
projected transformer noise level as perceived by these receptors would be 21dBA; therefore, this project 23
component would result in no impact under this criterion. 24 25
Corona noise associated with operation of the proposed 230-kV transmission line segments has been 26
reported to be 46.6 to 49.6 dBA within the ROW during wet conditions, and 21.6 to 24.6 dBA in fair 27
weather conditions. As shown in Table 4.11-4, the closest residential receptor to the overhead 230-kV 28
transmission line is a resident on Via Cartaya in the City of San Clemente, 45 feet away from the 29
proposed Transmission Line Segment 3. The estimated calculated L50 corona noise level at this receptor 30
during wet weather conditions would be greater than 4443.1 dBA (Table 4.11-11), and would exceed the 31
FTA Cumulative Noise Levels Allowed by Criteria (Figure 4.11-1) for the. which would exceed 32
nighttime ambient noise levels reported for the project area (refer to Pole 29 in Table 4.11-3, which is the 33
closest surveyed area to the resident on Via Cartaya). The proposed project has the potential to create 34
corona noise that exceeds nighttime ambient noise levels during wet weather conditions. To reduce 35
potential effects at receptors located less than 45 feet from the proposed 230-kV transmission line 36
segments, implementation of MM NV-4 would provide additional reduction to potential increases of 37
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-25 DRAFT EIR
ambient noise levels due to corona noise under wet conditions. With implementation of MM NV-4, 1
impacts due to corona noise from 230-kV transmission line segment operations in wet weather would be 2
less than significant under this criterion. Corona noise associated with lower voltages would not be 3
audible. 4 5
Impact NV-4: Substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the 6
project vicinity. 7
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION 8
9
It is expected that noise levels from construction equipment and vehicle and helicopter use, would result 10
in temporary contributions to the ambient noise levels in the project vicinity during the overall 64-month 11
construction period. As shown in Table 4.11-9, potential noise levels during the proposed construction 12
would range between 60 and 105 dBA at the nearest sensitive receptors. As shown in Figure 4.11-1, for 13
areas with low ambient noise levels (i.e., 40 dBA), a noise exposure increase of more than 15 dB would 14
result in a severe impact. Therefore, there would be a noticeable temporary increase in ambient noise 15
levels for most of the proposed project construction sites. 16
17
Temporary increases in ambient noise levels would be noticeable near the construction sites; however, 18
construction equipment would not be operated continuously at peak levels, and the noise would attenuate 19
with increasing distance. Generally, airborne noise decreases by 6 dBA with each doubling the distance. 20
It is expected that temporary noise increases from the proposed project construction would be more 21
noticeable at quiet areas (ambient levels of 60 dBA or below) compared to work areas located close to 22
major roadways, where ambient noise levels would typically be higher. To address potential impacts 23
from temporary increases of ambient noise levels during construction, the applicant has committed to 24
control nighttime construction (APM NOISE-1) and would minimize impacts caused by the use of 25
helicopters through the preparation and implementation of a Helicopter Lift Plan (as described in Section 26
2.4.6 “Helicopter Use,”) which would indirectly reduce noise at sensitive receptors in or near proposed 27
landing and take-off sites. However, these are not the only sources of noise associated with project 28
construction, and there are specific sites where construction activities would occur in a prolonged period 29
of time, increasing the potential exposure of sensitive receptors to temporary increases of ambient noise, 30
such as residential properties in the vicinity of the proposed San Juan Capistrano Substation. 31
32
As shown in Table 4.11-10, the noisiest construction activity to be performed at San Juan Capistrano 33
Substation (above grade construction) would have a composite noise level of 101 dBA as perceived at the 34
closest sensitive receptor property line (18 feet), resulting in an increase of 36 dBA compared to the 35
daytime ambient noise levels reported in Table 4.11-3. Similarly, transmission and distribution line 36
construction would produce an increase of over 20 dBA compared to ambient noise levels reported in 37
Table 4.11-32. In addition, construction activities that may occur at night and on weekends, when the 38
applicant would shift from the use of old facilities to the proposed new facilities; during the delivery of 39
the transformers; and during the delivery of other oversized/overweight loads also have the potential to 40
exceed nighttime ambient noise levels. The applicant would implement APM NOISE-1 to reduce 41
potential noise impacts during such nighttime activities. Although distance to the closest sensitive 42
receptors would change during the construction period, these temporary increases in noise levels would 43
create severe impacts on the existing ambient noise levels and would be noticeable and significant. 44
2 Construction works that would be performed 10 feet away from the property line of the San Juan Hills High
School would be in the proximity of the school baseball field instead of the school buildings. The school buildings
would be a higher sensitive receptor. Actual class buildings would be located more than 500 feet from the
proposed Segment 2 work sites; therefore, the estimated levels of 105 dBA for Segment 2 reported in Table 4.11-
10 are not cited in this analysis.
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-26 DRAFT EIR
Implementation of MM NV-1 and MM NV-5 would reduce potential noise impacts on residents located 1
in close proximity of the proposed substation, transmission, and distribution lines segments to below 2
severe levels (see Figure 4.11-1). Therefore, construction impacts would be less than significant with 3
mitigation under this criterion. 4
5
Substation noise would not be expected to fluctuate during operation. Implementation of MM NV-2 6
would provide additional reduction of operational noise from the proposed San Juan Capistrano 7
Substation, reducing the risk for temporary or periodic increases in ambient noise. Noise from the 8
transmission line in fair and wet weather conditions would not exceed by more than 5 dBA the ambient 9
noise levels reported in Table 4.11-3, except for two locations where ambient noise levels would be 10
exceeded by more than 10 dBA during wet conditions. Since wet conditions are temporary in nature, 11
implementation of MM NV-4 would provide additional reduction to potential increases of ambient noise 12
levels at nearest sensitive receptors due to corona noise under wet conditions. With implementation of 13
MM NV-4, potential temporary or periodic increases in ambient noise due to corona noise from 230-kV 14
transmission line segment operations in wet weather would be less than significant under this criterion. 15
16
Maintenance activities would typically occur over a short timeframe, up to six times per year at 17
substations. They would generate minimal noise. Maintenance activities on the transmission and 18
subtransmission lines would be primarily for inspection and would occur at least once per year by driving 19
and/or flying the line routes, resulting in a temporary increase of noise levels due to vehicle and 20
helicopter use. However, noise from these sources would be limited and short-term at any one receptor 21
that would be exposed to increased noise levels. Therefore, it can be concluded that inspection and 22
maintenance activities would not expose sensitive receptors to excessive noise levels and impacts would 23
be less than significant. 24
25
4.11.4 Mitigation Measures 26
27
MM NV-1 Nighttime and Weekend Construction Noise Controls. Before performing any construction 28
activities required during periods of time not allowed by local ordinances (i.e., nighttime and weekends), 29
the applicant will: 30
31
Obtain authorization from the local jurisdiction where work will be performed (city or county, as 32
applicable) prior to initiating work at night and on weekends; 33
Notify occupants of the sensitive receptors properties located within 230 feet of the proposed 34
work a minimum of one week prior to the potential activities and their anticipated duration; 35
Ensure that noise levels will not exceed exterior noise standards of 55 dBA at the property 36
boundary during the period of 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. and 45 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.; 37
Minimize the duration of trucking activities at work sites to less than 30 minutes, when feasible; 38
Monitor noise levels during a cumulative period of more than 30 minutes in any hour (L50) and 39
maximum noise levels (Lmax) at the nearest residential property boundary during the period when 40
nighttime or weekend construction is performed; 41
Report noise levels (hourly L50 and Lmax) measured at the nearest residential property to the local 42
jurisdiction (city or county, as applicable) and the California Public Utilities Commission 43
(CPUC) within one week. Noise level measurements shall be conducted and reported in 44
compliance with the City of San Juan Capistrano and City of San Clemente requirements, as 45
applicable; and 46
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-27 DRAFT EIR
If nighttime or weekend activities cannot be conducted to meet the local ordinance exterior noise 1
standards, the applicant will implement additional mitigation measures, such as: 2
- Reducing trucking activities to shorter periods of time, 3
- Using low noise electrical equipment, 4
- Installing portable noise barriers surrounding the work sites, or 5
- Offering potentially affected residents an alternative place to stay overnight or weekend, as 6
necessary. 7
8
MM NV-2 Low-Noise Substation Equipment and Noise Barriers. The applicant will ensure that San 9
Juan Capistrano Substation’s operational noise levels will not exceed 45 dBA at the property boundary 10
during the period of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. This will be achieved by ensuring that the final substation layout 11
provides sufficient setback between the proposed facilities and closest residential receptors, use of low-12
noise substation equipment, or installation of noise barriers in the perimeter of the proposed substation. 13
The proposed 230-/138-kV and 138-/12-kV transformers will be located at a minimum distance of 100 14
feet away from the nearest residential property. In addition to this minimum distance, the applicant will 15
conduct monthly monitoring and reporting of operational noise levels at the substation during the first 16
year of full operation. The applicant will conduct a noise survey at the closest receptors to the substation 17
once the substation is fully operational to confirm that sufficient measures have been implemented to 18
reduce noise levels to 45 dBA at the property boundary. The applicant will submit the noise survey 19
results to the CPUC. 20
21
MM NV-3: Construction Vibration Control Measures. The applicant will implement the following 22
measures to reduce construction vibration at substations, transmission lines, distribution lines, and 23
staging areas located within 100 feet from residential and other vibration-sensitive receptors: 24
25
Route heavily loaded trucks away from residential streets, if possible. Select streets with fewest 26
homes if no alternatives are available; 27
Operate earth-moving equipment on construction sites as far away from residential and other 28
vibration-sensitive receptors as possible; 29
Phase earth-moving and ground-impacting operations so as not to occur in the same time period; 30
Avoid night-time activities; 31
Avoid the use of vibratory rollers near sensitive areas; 32
Conduct pre-construction notifications sensitive receptors located within 100 feet of construction 33
activities within 30 days prior to construction; 34
Develop a construction vibration mitigation and monitoring plan during final project design to be 35
reviewed and approved by the CPUC; and 36
Implement a compliance monitoring program during construction to ensure implementation of 37
vibration control measures. 38
39
MM NV-4. Corona Noise Reduction during Wet Weather Conditions. The applicant will ensure that 40
the 230-kV transmission line corona noise levels will not exceed 45 dBA FTA Cumulative Noise Levels 41
Allowed by Criteria (Figure 4.11-1) at the closest sensitive receptor during nighttime operations (10 p.m. 42
to 7 a.m.), in compliance with the City of San Juan Capistrano, City of San Clemente, and County of 43
Orange exterior noise standards. This will be achieved by the use of additional insulation equipment and 44
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-28 DRAFT EIR
additional technological solutions to reduce corona noise levels during rainy weather conditions. To 1
verify the efficiency of the corona noise reduction equipment, the applicant will measure operational 2
noise levels at sensitive residential receptors located within 45 feet from the proposed 230-kV line 3
segments during three rain events during the first two rainy seasons when the 230-kV line is operating. 4
Monitoring reports shall indicate the existing ambient noise levels and weather conditions during 5
measurements. The applicant shall conduct noise level measurements in compliance with the City of San 6
Juan Capistrano and City of San Clemente requirements, as applicable. The applicant will submit results 7
of the monitoring to the CPUC annually. If the monitoring reports determine that the corona noise levels 8
exceed 45 dBAFTA Cumulative Noise Levels Allowed by Criteria at sensitive residential receptors 9
located within 45 feet, the applicant will implement additional technological solutions and installation 10
equipment and will repeat the measuring of operational noise levels at sensitive residential receptors 11
located within 25 feet of the proposed 230-kV line segments during three rain events during the 12
subsequent two rainy seasons, until the 45 dBAFTA Cumulative Noise Levels Allowed by Criteria 13
threshold is no longer exceeded during rain events. 14
15
MM NV-5. Noise Control Plan. Prior to the start of construction, the applicant shall prepare a Noise 16
Control Plan for the construction and restoration of the proposed project. The applicant shall submit the 17
Noise Control Plan to the CPUC at least 30 days prior to the start of construction for review and 18
approval. The Noise Control Plan shall include measures that the applicant shall employ during 19
construction and restoration of the proposed project to keep generated noise levels below the Severe 20
Impact range shown in Figure 4.11-1 (FTA 2006) of this EIR at the nearest sensitive receptors to each 21
project construction location, in order to avoid significant impacts from temporary ambient noise 22
increases. The Noise Control Plan shall include measures, such as the following: 23
24
Install and maintain an absorptive noise control barrier in the perimeter of the San Juan 25
Capistrano Substation construction site. 26
Limit heavy equipment activity adjacent to residences or other sensitive receptors to the shortest 27
possible period required to complete the work activity. 28
Ensure that proper mufflers, intake silencers, and other noise reduction equipment are in place 29
and in good working condition. 30
Maintain construction equipment according to manufacturer recommendations. 31
Minimize construction equipment idling. 32
Noise from back-up alarms (alarms that signal vehicle travel in reverse) in construction vehicles 33
and equipment shall be reduced by providing a layout of construction sites that minimizes the 34
need for back-up alarms and using flagmen to minimize time needed to back up vehicles. 35
When possible, use construction equipment specifically designed for low noise emissions (i.e., 36
equipment that is powered by electric or natural gas engines instead of diesel or gasoline 37
reciprocating engines). Electric engines have been reported to have lower noise levels than 38
internal combustion engines. 39
Where practical, locate stationary equipment such as compressors, generators, and welding 40
machines away from sensitive receptors or behind barriers. 41
42
The Noise Control Plan shall detail the frequency, location and methodology for noise monitoring prior 43
to and during various construction and restoration activities to ensure that generated noise levels do not 44
exceed the Severe Impact range shown in Figure 4.11-1 of this EIR. The Noise Control Plan shall detail 45
the actions and procedures that the applicant shall implement to mitigate impacts in the event that 46
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.11-29 DRAFT EIR
monitoring detects that noise levels have exceeded the Severe Impact range shown in Figure 4.11-1 of 1
this EIR. Noise level measurements shall be conducted in compliance with the City of San Juan 2
Capistrano, City of San Clemente, and Orange County requirements. 3
4
The Noise Control Plan shall designate a Construction Relations Officer that is readily available to 5
answer questions or respond to complaints during any hours or days that construction or restoration is 6
occurring. The applicant shall send pre-construction notifications to sensitive receptors located within 7
100 feet from construction activities at least 30-days prior construction. The notification shall include a 8
phone number for the public to contact the Construction Relations Officer. Additionally, each 9
construction site shall include clearly visible signs with a phone number for the public to contact the 10
Construction Relations Officer. The applicant shall submit on a monthly basis to the CPUC a summary 11
report of the complaints submitted to the Construction Relations Officer. The summary report shall 12
include detail on how each complaint was addressed, if and when the complaint was resolved, and 13
contact information for the member of the public that submitted the complaint. 14
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4.11 NOISE AND VIBRATION
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SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.12 POPULATION AND HOUSING
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.12-1 DRAFT EIR
4.12 Population and Housing 1
2
This section describes the environmental and regulatory settings and discusses impacts associated with 3
construction and operation of the South Orange County Reliability Enhancement Project (proposed project) 4
with respect to population and housing. No comments regarding population and housing were received 5
during scoping. Growth-inducing impacts associated with the proposed project are discussed in Section 6.5 6
“Growth Inducing Impacts.” 7
8
4.12.1 Setting 9
10
The proposed project would located in southern unincorporated Orange County, the City of San Juan 11
Capistrano, the City of San Clemente, and northern unincorporated San Diego County on land under the 12
jurisdiction of the United States Marine Corps as part of the Camp Pendleton base. The current and 13
projected populations for these areas are listed in Table 4.12-1. The largest growth is anticipated to occur in 14
unincorporated Orange County, followed by unincorporated San Diego County. 15
16
Table 4.12-1 Current and Projected Population in the Proposed Project Area
Location 2014 2020 2035
2014 to 2035 Change
Total Percent Unincorporated Orange County
120,533 159,100 189,300 68,767 57.1
City of San Clemente 64,874 68,100 68,300 3,426 5.28
City of San Juan Capistrano 35,900 38,100 37,800 1,900 5.29
Unincorporated San Diego County(a)
492,509 545,409 644,499 151,990 30.86
Sources: CDOF 2014a,b; SCAG 2012; SANDAG 2014a Note: (a) 2014 data were not available for unincorporated San Diego County, California. The value provided represents the region’s 2013 population as
published by the San Diego Association of Governments in 2014.
17
Current housing and projected housing unit estimates for each jurisdiction crossed by the proposed project 18
are provided in Table 4.12-2. As with the population estimates, the largest change is projected to occur in 19
unincorporated Orange County. Although the population is projected to increase in the City of San 20
Clemente, the number of housing units is anticipated to decrease. 21
22
Table 4.12-2 Housing Units and Projections for the Proposed Project Area
Location
Housing Units Change 2014 to 2035
2014(a) 2020 2035 Total Percent Unincorporated Orange County(b)
39,506 (3.8% vacant)
44,000 57,600 18,094 45.8
City of San Clemente(b) 26,025
(7.9% vacant)
24,800 25,200 -825 -3.2
City of San Juan Capistrano(b)
12,160 (4.6% vacant)
12,300 12,300 140 1.2
Unincorporated San Diego County(c), (d)
175,913 (7.9% vacant)
180,460 210,032 34,119 19.4
Sources: CDOF 2014b; SANDAG 2014a,b; SCAG 2012 Note: (a) The value provided represent the 2014 City/County Population and Housing Estimates from California Department of Finance (Table 2: E-5). (b) Southern California Association of Governments Population, Household, and Employment Integrated Growth Forecast (c) San Diego Association of Governments Unincorporated San Diego County 2013 Demographic & Socio Economic Estimates (SANDAG 2014a) (d) SANDAG Data Warehouse – Housing Forecast for Unincorporated San Diego County (Years 2020 and 2035) (SANDAG 2014b)
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.12 POPULATION AND HOUSING
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.12-2 DRAFT EIR
1
4.12.2 Regulatory Setting 2
3
4.12.2.1 Federal 4 5
There are no federal regulations applicable to the proposed project with respect to population and housing. 6
7
4.12.2.2 State 8
9
There are no California regulations applicable to the proposed project with respect to population and 10
housing. 11
12
4.12.2.3 Regional and Local 13
14
County of Orange 15
The Orange County General Plan Growth Management Element and Housing Element establishes the 16
County’s programs and policies for enhancing housing supplies (County of Orange 2005a,b, 2013), but no 17
specific policies or regulations are applicable to the proposed project with respect to population and 18
housing. 19
20
City of San Clemente 21
The City of San Clemente General Plan Growth Management and Housing elements establishes the City’s 22
programs and policies for maintaining and enhancing the City’s housing supply (City of San Clemente 23
2014a,b), and the following two policies are applicable to the proposed projects with respect to population 24
and housing. 25
26
Policy GM-2.01. Timely Provision of Infrastructure and Services. We diligently monitor, influence, 27
and respond as necessary to land planning and development activities outside of the City to ensure 28
that land development provides timely and adequate transportation facilities (streets, highways, 29
transit, etc.), wastewater collection and treatment, water supply, electrical, natural gas, 30
telecommunications, solid waste disposal, storm drainage, other public infrastructure, public safety 31
and public services (governmental administrative and capital, police, fire, recreational, cultural, 32
etc.). 33
Policy GM-2.02. Consistency with City Policies and Standards. We demand that the type, amount, 34
and location of development provide infrastructure consistent with our General Plan goals and 35
policies and City standards, including San Clemente’s Hillside Development Ordinance and the 36
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. 37
38
City of San Juan Capistrano 39
The City of San Juan Capistrano General Plan Growth Management and Housing elements establishes the 40
City’s programs and policies for maintaining and enhancing the City’s housing supply (City of San Juan 41
Capistrano 1999, 2014), but no specific policies or regulations are applicable to the proposed projects with 42
respect to population and housing. 43
44
4.12.3 Methodology and Significance Criteria 45
46
Current demographic data are provided from the Year 2010 United States Census. Estimates of population 47
and housing are prepared annually through a joint effort of the Southern California Association of 48
Governments and the San Diego Association of Governments for jurisdictions, subregional areas, and major 49
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.12 POPULATION AND HOUSING
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.12-3 DRAFT EIR
statistical areas. These data and the housing elements of the jurisdictions that would be traversed by 1
components of the proposed project were reviewed. Potential impacts on population and housing were 2
evaluated according to the following significance criteria. The criteria were defined based on the checklist 3
items presented in Appendix G of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. The 4
proposed project would cause a significant impact on population and housing if it would: 5
6
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new 7
homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other 8
infrastructure); 9
10
Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines also includes the following checklist items; the proposed project 11
would cause significant impact on population and housing if it would: 12
13
Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement 14
housing elsewhere. 15
Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing 16
elsewhere. 17
18
The proposed project would not displace any persons or existing housing, and replacement housing would 19
not be required. Therefore, the proposed project would have no impact under these criteria, and impacts on 20
this resource are not discussed further. 21
22
4.12.4 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 23
24
Impact PH-1: Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, 25
by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through 26
extension of roads or other infrastructure). 27 LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT 28
29
The proposed project would not include long-term staffing increases or the construction of new houses. As 30
discussed in Section 2.4.1.2, “Construction Workforce and Equipment,” up to 80 construction workers per 31
day would be required to construct the proposed project. In the event that all 80 workers had to temporarily 32
relocated to the proposed project area from outside of the area, the population of Orange County would 33
increase up to 80 persons during peak construction, which would be a 0.03 percent increase compared to the 34
Orange County population in 2013 (USCB 2014). A 0.03 percent temporary population increase would not 35
result in substantial population growth in the proposed project area. Therefore, the proposed project would 36
have a less than a significant impact on direct population growth. 37
38
The proposed project would indirectly induce growth within the South Orange County System. The 39
proposed expansion of the Capistrano Substation, the upgraded transmission capability, and construction at 40
the Talega Substation would increase the electrical capacity within the South Orange County System 41
beyond the current projected demand (see Section 1.1.3, “Historical and Projected South Orange County 42
System Demand”). This would result in sufficient electrical capacity to accommodate additional growth. 43
Potential impacts from cumulative projects are discussed in Section 6.0, “Cumulative and Other CEQA 44
Considerations.” Any additional growth not identified in the cumulative project list (see Table 6-1) that 45
would result from the increased electrical capacity would be speculative at this time. Therefore, any 46
potential environmental impacts from indirect induced growth would be less than significant. Growth-47
inducing impacts associated with the proposed project are further discussed in Section 6.5, “Growth-48
Inducing Impacts.” 49
50
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4.13 PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.13-1 DRAFT EIR
4.13 Public Services and Utilities 1
2
This section describes the environmental and regulatory settings and discusses impacts associated with 3
construction and operation of the proposed project with respect to public services and utilities. During 4
the scoping period, the following issue were raised and are addressed in this section: the proposed 5
project’s impact to city utilities, specifically water and sewer; and the proposed project’s impact to the 6
La Pata Avenue Greenwaste Facility. Impacts related to electrical demand management, recreation, and 7
traffic are discussed in Section 3, “Description of Alternatives,” Section 4.14, “Recreation,” and Section 8
4.15, “Transportation and Traffic,” respectively. 9
10
4.13.1 Environmental Setting 11
12
This section discusses public services and utilities provisions within the proposed project area. It 13
provides an overview of the types and general locations of public service providers and utilities in the 14
proposed project area. 15
16
4.13.1.1 Public Service Providers 17
18
Fire Services 19
The Orange County Fire Authority provides fire service to 23 cities in Orange County, including the 20
cities of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, and all unincorporated areas in Orange County (OCFA 21
2014a). Orange County Fire Authority staffs and manages 71 fire stations located throughout the county 22
(OCFA 2014b). Table 4.13-1 provides information about the fire stations within 2 miles of the proposed 23
project. 24
25
Table 4.13-1 Fire Stations within 2 miles of the Proposed Project
Station Address Approximate Distance from a Component of the Proposed Project
Station #7 31865 Del Obispo
San Juan Capistrano
1.0 mile south of San Juan Capistrano
Substation
Station #49 31461 Golden Lantern Street
Laguna Niguel
1.0 mile west of San Juan Capistrano
Substation
Station #59 48 Avenida La Pata
San Clemente
0.04 mile west of Transmission Line Segment 3
Source: OCFA 2014b
26
Police Services 27
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department provides traffic and law enforcement to multiple cities in the 28
county, including the cities of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, and all unincorporated areas of 29
Orange County. The proposed project area would be served by the South Operations Division of the 30
Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD 2014). The closest sheriff stations to the proposed project 31
are located at 32506 Paseo Adelanto in San Juan Capistrano, approximately 1.5 miles south of the San 32
Juan Capistrano Substation, and at 100 Avenida Presidio in San Clemente, approximately 2.75 miles 33
southwest of the Talega Substation (City of San Clemente 2014a; City of San Juan Capistrano 2014a). 34
35
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Schools 1
The Orange County Department of Education supports 28 kindergarten through 12th grade school 2
districts throughout the county (OCDE 2014). During the 2013-2014 school year, Orange County 3
enrolled 500,487 students. 4
5
Parks 6
The Cleveland National Forest is located in the southeast portion of Orange County, approximately 7
7 miles east of the proposed project. There are seven California State Parks located throughout Orange 8
County (CSP 2014), as well as 22 county parks and several regional trails (OCP 2014). There are 27 city 9
parks in San Juan Capistrano and 19 city parks in San Clemente (City of San Juan Capistrano 1999a; City 10
of San Clemente 2014b). 11
12
Refer to Section 4.14, “Recreation,” for further information about parks and other recreational activities 13
in the proposed project area, and Section 4.15, “Transportation and Traffic,” for information about 14
bikeways and trails. 15
16
Other Public Facilities 17
Table 4.13-2 lists hospitals in the proposed project area, all of which provide basic emergency services 18
(OSHPD 2014). 19
20
Table 4.13-2 Hospitals in the Proposed Project Area
Hospital Address Approximate Distance to a Component
of the Proposed Project Mission Hospital Regional Medical
Center
27700 Medical Center Road
Mission Viejo
3.30 miles north of the San Juan Capistrano
Substation
Saddleback Memorial Medical
Center - San Clemente
654 Camino De Los Mares
San Clemente, CA 92673
4.5 miles west of the Talega Substation
Saddleback Memorial Medical
Center – Laguna Hills
24451 Health Center Drive
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
7.0 miles north of the San Juan Capistrano
Substation Source: OSHPD 2014
21
The Orange County Public Library Department maintains 33 libraries throughout the county, including 22
branches in the cities of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente (OCPL 2014). 23
24
4.13.1.2 Utilities 25
26
Potable and Non-Potable Water 27
Water services within the cities San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente are provided by their respective 28
city’s water districts. The unincorporated areas of Orange County that the proposed project would cross 29
are under the jurisdiction of the Santa Margarita Water District. The San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, 30
and Santa Margarita water districts are members of the Municipal Water District of Orange County. The 31
Municipal Water District of Orange County is a regional water wholesaler and resource planning agency 32
that manages Orange County’s imported water supply (MWDOC 2014). This imported water comes from 33
Northern California via the State Water Project and the Colorado River (MWDOC 2011). 34
35
In 2010, the total water demand for the Municipal Water District of Orange County member agencies 36
was approximately 485,311 acre-feet per year (afy) (MWDOC 2011). 37
38
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Wastewater 1
The cities of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente are members of the South Orange County 2
Wastewater Authority, which operates 12 wastewater treatment plants (SOCWA 2014). The existing 3
Capistrano and Talega substations are not currently served by a sewer system for stormwater or domestic 4
wastewater disposal. 5
6
Storm Water 7
The cities of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente and the unincorporated areas of Orange County that 8
would be crossed by the proposed project are under the jurisdiction of the South Orange County 9
Watershed Management Area (SOC WMA). The SOC WMA manages the stormwater management 10
program throughout the proposed project area to prevent harmful pollutants from impacting water 11
resources via stormwater runoff. In Orange County, stormwater and urban runoff enter the stormwater 12
system from streets, curbs, and gutters. The untreated stormwater and runoff travel to local water bodies 13
or the Pacific Ocean. (SOC WMA 2014). 14
15
Solid Waste 16
There are three active and permitted disposal landfills within Orange County (CalRecycle 2014a). These 17
landfills are owned by Orange County Waste and Recycling and are rated by the San Diego Regional 18
Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) as Class III landfills. Additionally, the applicant may also 19
transport waste to the Otay Landfill (Class III) in San Diego County. Class III landfills cannot accept 20
hazardous or liquid wastes. Table 4.13-3 details the status of each landfill. 21
22
Table 4.13-3 Status of Active and Permitted Class III Disposal Facilities in Orange Countythe Vicinity of the Proposed Project
Facility Address Remaining Capacity
(in Cubic Yards) Estimated
Closure Date Prima Deshecha Sanitary Landfill
(SWIS 30-AB-0019)
32250 La Pata Avenue
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
87,384,7991 12/31/2067
Olinda Alpha Sanitary Landfill (SWIS
30-AB-0035)
1942 N. Valencia Avenue
Brea, CA 92823
38,578,3831 12/31/2021
Frank R. Bowerman Sanitary Landfill
(SWIS 30-AB-0360)
11002 Bee Canyon Access Road
Irvine, CA 92618
205,000,0002 12/31/2053
Otay Landfill (SWIS 37-AA-0010) 1700 Maxwell Road
Chula Vista, CA 91911
24,514,9043 2/28/2028
Total Remaining Capacity 330,963,182 355,478,086
Sources: Calrecycle 2014b-d, 2015
Notes: 1 Assessed in 2005 2 Assessed in 2008 3 Assessed in 2012
23
Hazardous waste would be transported to either Kettleman Hills Facility (SWIS 16-AA-0023) in 24
Kettleman City, California, or Clean Harbors Buttonwillow LLC (SWIS 15-AA-0257) in Buttonwillow, 25
California. The Kettleman Hills facility has a remaining capacity of 6,000,000 cubic yards (CY), as of 26
2000. The Clean Harbors facility has an estimated closure date of January 1, 2040. (Calrecycle 2014e-f) 27
28
The La Pata Avenue Greenwaste Facility (SWIS 30-AB0364) is a composting facility (green waste) 29
located at 31748 La Pata Avenue in San Juan Capistrano. This facility accepts agricultural, 30
construction/demolition, and wood waste (Calrecycle 2014g). 31
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1
4.13.2 Regulatory Setting 2
3
4.13.2.1 Federal 4
5
Clean Water Act 6
The Clean Water Act of 1972 (33 United States Code [U.S.C.] §1251 et seq.) requires states to set 7
standards to protect water quality, including the regulation of storm water and wastewater discharge 8
during construction and operation of a facility. This includes the creation of a system to establish 9
discharge standards specific to water bodies (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 10
[NPDES]), which regulates storm water discharge from construction sites through the implementation of 11
a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Refer to Section 4.9, “Hydrology and Water 12
Quality,” for further information. 13
14
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 15
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) (42 U.S.C. §6901 et seq.) establishes 16
requirements for the management of solid waste. The RCRA establishes provisions for the design and 17
operation of solid waste landfills. The act authorizes states to carry out many functions of the RCRA 18
through their own waste programs and laws. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has 19
promulgated regulations to implement the provisions of the RCRA (40 Code of Federal Regulations 20
[CFR] 239–282). 21
22
4.13.2.2 State 23
24
California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Act 25
This act provides a comprehensive water quality management system for the protection of California 26
waters. Porter-Cologne designated the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) as the ultimate 27
authority over state water rights and water quality policy, and established nine RWCQBs to oversee 28
water quality on a day-to-day basis at the local/regional level. The boards have the responsibility of 29
granting NPDES permits for storm water runoff from construction sites. The San Diego RWCQB serves 30
the proposed project area. 31
32
California Integrated Waste Management Act and Assembly Bill 341 33
The Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (Public Resource Code 40000 et seq.; Assembly Bill 34
939) requires all county and local governments to adopt a Source Reduction and Recycling Element to 35
identify ways to reduce the amount of solid waste sent to landfills. This law set reduction targets of 25 36
percent by 1995 and 50 percent by the year 2000. Assembly Bill 341, signed into law in 2011, established 37
a new statewide target of 75 percent disposal reduction by the year 2020. 38
39
Assembly Bill 341 requires the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery to develop 40
and adopt regulations for mandatory commercial recycling, which was not required under the previous 41
version of the Integrated Waste Management Act. The new Mandatory Commercial Recycling 42
Regulation was approved at the CalRecycle monthly public meeting in January 2012. Per this regulation, 43
as of July 1, 2012, businesses are required to recycle; however, the Integrated Waste Management Act, as 44
amended by Assembly Bill 341, does not mandate a diversion percentage for businesses, and only 45
requires that businesses implement a commercial recycling program. 46
47
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California Health and Safety Code 1
Section 25150.7 of the California Health and Safety Code outlines procedures and regulations for the 2
management and disposal of treated wood waste. Wood waste, including the type of wood utility poles 3
that would be disposed as part of the proposed project, may be treated with preservatives and other 4
chemicals to protect the wood. Because the chemical treatments could leach into water supplies when 5
disposed of, Section 25150.7 was developed to restrict how and where treated wood waste can be 6
disposed. 7
8
Emergency Regulations Related to California Drought Conditions 9
On January 17, 2014, Governor Brown issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency due to 10
current drought conditions in California. The Executive Order called on the Department of Water 11
Resources to coordinate with local water districts on a campaign urging Californians to reduce water 12
usage by 20 percent (CA Office of the Governor 2014a). 13
14
On April 24, 2014, Governor Brown issued another Executive Order urging that immediate action be 15
taken “to mitigate the effects of the drought conditions upon the people and property within the State of 16
California.” The April 24th Executive Order also directed the SWRCB to “adopt and implement 17
emergency regulations pursuant to Water Code section 1058.5, as it deems necessary to prevent the 18
waste, unreasonable use, unreasonable method of use, or unreasonable method of diversion of water, to 19
promote water recycling or water conservation, and to require curtailment of diversions when water is 20
not available under the diverter’s priority of right” (CA Office of the Governor 2014b). 21
22
On July 6, 2014, the SWRCB responded to the Governor’s April 24th Executive Order by adopting 23
Emergency Regulations that require urban water suppliers to promote water conservation, prepare water 24
shortage contingency plans, and submit monthly monitoring reports, among other measures (SWRCB 25
2014). 26
27
4.13.2.3 Regional and Local 28
29
San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board 30
The San Diego RWQCB manages water quality for the jurisdictions traversed by components of the 31
proposed project. The RWQCB is responsible for setting standards, issuing waste discharge 32
requirements, determining compliance, and enforcing standards. The RWQCB monitors and sets 33
standards for water quality under several programs, including storm water, wastewater treatment, and 34
wetlands protection. 35
36
Because construction of the proposed project would disturb surface areas greater than 1 acre, the 37
applicant would be required to obtain NPDES permits for the proposed project. To acquire this permit, 38
the applicant would prepare a SWPPP that would include: information about the proposed project; 39
monitoring and reporting procedures; and Best Management Practices, such as dewatering procedures, 40
storm water runoff quality control measures, and concrete waste management, as necessary. The SWPPP 41
would be based on final engineering design and would include all components of the proposed project. 42
43
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4.13 PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.13-6 DRAFT EIR
Orange County 1
The Public Services and Facilities Element of the Orange County General Plan includes policies and 2
programs that form an effective implementation plan to meet County goals (Orange County 2011). The 3
following policies are applicable to the proposed project: 4
5
General Policy 3: To coordinate facility planning in a manner compatible with surrounding land 6
uses and to review planned land uses adjacent to facilities for their compatibility with facility 7
operations. 8
Solid Waste Policy 2: To support and implement the adopted Solid Waste Management Plan to 9
achieve waste management objectives. 10
Solid Waste Policy 3: To promote the utilization of waste recycling and reuse measures that 11
extend the operating life of existing solid waste facilities. 12
Wastewater Policy 1: To protect quality in both delivery systems and groundwater basins 13
through effective wastewater system management. 14
Wastewater Policy 3: To ensure the adequacy of wastewater system capacity and phasing in 15
consultation with the service providing agency(ies) in order to serve existing and future 16
development as defined by the General Plan. 17
18
City of San Juan Capistrano 19
The Parks and Recreation Element of the City of San Juan Capistrano General Plan include goals, 20
policies, and plans to ensure the provision and maintenance of adequate parks and recreational facilities 21
to meet the needs of the existing and future population of the City (City of San Juan Capistrano 1999a). 22
The following policy is applicable to the proposed project: 23
24
Policy 1.1: Coordinate with local groups to identify and meet the community’s recreational 25
needs. 26
27
The Public Services and Utilities Element of the City of San Juan Capistrano General Plan ensures that 28
sufficient levels of public services are provided as San Juan Capistrano develops (City of San Juan 29
Capistrano 1999b). The following policies are applicable to the proposed project: 30
31
Policy 1.1: Work closely with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in determining and 32
meeting community needs for law enforcement services and facilities. 33
Policy 2.1: Work closely with the Orange County Fire Authority in determining and meeting 34
community needs for fire protection services and facilities. 35
Policy 5.1: Work closely with the Orange County Public Library in determining and meeting 36
community needs for library facilities and services, including hours and operation. 37
Policy 6.1: Provide sufficient levels of water and sewer services to meet the needs of the 38
community. 39
Policy 7.1: Work closely with providers of energy, communications, and solid waste disposal in 40
determining and meeting the needs of the community for energy, communications, and solid 41
waste disposal. 42
Policy 7.4: Reduce the per capita production of solid waste in San Juan Capistrano in concert 43
with the City’s Source Reduction and Recycling Element. 44
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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1
City of San Clemente 2
The primary goal of the Public Services, Facilities, and Utilities Element of the City of San Clemente 3
General Plan is to “provide a diverse range of effective public services, high quality public facilities, and 4
efficient public utilities that meet local needs” (City of San Clemente 2014c). The following policies are 5
applicable to the proposed project: 6
7
PSFU-1.03. Access to Schools. We work with local and regional partners to maintain safety in 8
and around schools and improve access to schools and community services. 9
PSFU-2.01 Library Services. We coordinate with the County of Orange to provide adequate 10
library services and facilities that fulfill the needs of San Clemente residents and meet or exceed 11
the County of Orange’s minimum library standards. 12
PSFU-5.01. Water Resources. We ensure that existing and new development does not degrade 13
San Clemente’s water resources. 14
PSFU-5.05. Water Supplies. We provide and maintain adequate water supplies and distribution 15
facilities capable of meeting existing and future daily and peak demands, including fire flow 16
requirements. 17
PSFU-5.08. Recycled Water. We encourage, and in some cases require, the use of recycled 18
water when available through a Mandatory Use Ordinance. The City will continue to expand its 19
recycled water program and seek new and improved technologies and best practices to use water 20
more efficiently. 21
PSFU-5.10. Wastewater System. We provide and maintain a system of wastewater collection 22
and treatment facilities to adequately convey and treat wastewater generated in the City of San 23
Clemente service area. 24
PSFU-5.12. Xeriscape Planting to Conserve Water. To conserve water, we require new 25
development to plant drought-tolerant landscaping, consisting of at least 60 percent (by 26
landscaped area) California native plants, and encourage such plantings in existing 27
development. 28
PSFU-7.03. Enforcement. We maintain adequate legal authority to implement and enforce local 29
plans and ordinances to comply with applicable regional, state, and federal requirements for 30
stormwater runoff management and mitigation to protect our water quality. 31
PSFU-8.02. AB 939 Monitoring. We monitor our solid waste generation and disposal/recycling 32
facilities to ensure we meet or exceed AB 939 requirements for the diversion of solid waste, 33
including construction and demolition waste. 34
PSFU-9.01. Coordination. We coordinate with local electricity, natural gas, and other energy 35
and utility providers to ensure adequate facilities are available to meet the demands of existing 36
and future development and that such facilities are safely sited and operated. 37
PSFU-9.02. Facility Siting and Design. We collaborate with various utility agencies to ensure 38
local facilities are sited and designed to be safe and compatible with adjacent land uses. 39
Through franchise agreements, lease agreements, and other means, the City requires public 40
utilities to be disaster-resilient by providing emergency back-up provisions. 41
42
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4.13.3 Impact Analysis 1
2
4.13.3.1 Methodology and Significance Criteria 3
4
Potential impacts on public services and utilities were evaluated according to the following significance 5
criteria. The criteria were defined based on Appendix G of California Environmental Quality Act 6
(CEQA) Guidelines. The proposed project would cause a significant impact on public services and 7
utilities if it would: 8
9
a) Result in substantial, adverse, physical impacts associated with the provision of new or 10
physically altered governmental facilities, or the need for new or physically altered governmental 11
facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to 12
maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any of the 13
following: (1) fire protection, (2) police protection, (3) schools, (4) parks, or (5) other public 14
facilities; 15
b) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of 16
existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects; 17
c) Not have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and 18
resources or require new or expanded entitlements; 19
d) Be served by a landfill without sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid 20
waste disposal needs; or 21
e) Not comply with federal, state, or local statutes and regulations related to solid waste. 22
23
Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines also includes the following checklist items: 24
25
Require or result in the construction of new water treatment facilities or expansion of existing 26
facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects; 27
Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable RWQCB; 28
Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider that serves or may serve the 29
project that it does not have adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in 30
addition to the provider’s existing commitments; and 31
Require or result in the construction of new wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of 32
existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects. 33
34
The proposed project would not require new water treatment facilities or the expansion of existing 35
facilities because the majority of water would be used for dust suppression and would be absorbed into 36
the ground. In addition, the proposed project would have no impact on regional or municipal sanitary 37
wastewater treatment facilities or exceed wastewater treatment requirements established by the San 38
Diego RWQCB because it would generate nominal volumes of wastewater associated with worker use of 39
portable toilets during the construction period. Additionally, the applicant anticipates that most, if not all, 40
workers for the proposed project would come from the applicant’s existing service centers within the 41
proposed project area, and any workers that do temporarily relocate (a peak of 80 persons) during 42
construction would not permanently relocate. As a result, there would not be substantial overall impact 43
on wastewater facilities throughout Orange County. Therefore, these checklist items are not applied as 44
criteria in the analysis of environmental impacts related to public services and utilities. 45
46
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FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.13-9 DRAFT EIR
4.13.3.2 Applicant Proposed Measures 1
2
The applicant has committed to the following as part of the design of the proposed project. See Section 3
2.6, “Applicant Procedures, Plans, Standards, and Proposed Measures,” for a complete description of 4
each project commitment. 5
6
APM-PS-1: Recreational Facility Access. Construction within existing public parks would not 7
completely restrict access through the parks. Where necessary, SDG&E will create temporary foot 8
and bicycle paths along with appropriate advance notice and signage to direct and allow for 9
pedestrian and bicycle access through each affected park. 10
APM PS-2: Repair Damage to Public Facilities. All recreation facilities that are physically 11
impacted during construction activities will be returned to an approximate pre-construction state, 12
allowing for SDG&E operation and maintenance activities, following the completion of the Proposed 13
Project, SDG&E will make replacements of any public damaged or removed equipment, facilities, 14
and infrastructure, in a timely manner. 15
APM PS-3: Roadway Repair. SDG&E Contract Administrators oversee all aspects of construction 16
and would ensure that contractors repair any damage caused by construction activities. Contract 17
Administrators would also work with the customers and/or local agency to ensure repairs are 18
sufficient and consistent with pre-construction conditions. Contractors working for SDG&E typically 19
photograph and/or video document pre-construction conditions. At the completion of construction 20
activities, this documentation is used to ensure that any damage that is caused by construction work 21
is repaired. 22
23
4.13.3.3 Environmental Impacts 24
25
Impact PS-1: Result in substantial, adverse, physical impacts associated with the 26
provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, or the need 27
for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of 28
which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain 29
acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives 30
for any of the following: 31
32
(1) Fire Protection 33
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT 34
35
The proposed project would be constructed within areas designated as a Fire Threat Zone by the 36
applicant based on California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Wildland Fire Threat mapping 37
assessment. Construction activities would increase the risk of fire caused by vehicle, helicopter, or 38
construction equipment use or electrical discharge (see also Section 4.8, “Hazards and Hazardous 39
Materials”). The applicant would implement its existing Wildland Fire Prevention and Fire Safety (ESP 40
No. 113.1), and a project-specific fire plan to assist in safe practices to prevent fires within the proposed 41
project area (see Section 2.6.1.3 “SDG&E Wildland Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Standard”). 42
Therefore, the project would be prepared for any potential fire and would have a negligible impact to fire 43
response providers in the area. No short-term provisions of additional fire facilities would be required for 44
the project. Therefore, construction of the proposed project would result in a less than significant impact 45
on fire services under this criterion. 46
47
Operation and maintenance activities would be similar to those associated with the existing facilities and, 48
therefore, would not impact local or regional fire protection services. As part of the proposed project, the 49
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.13 PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.13-10 DRAFT EIR
replacement of wood poles with steel poles is often undertaken specifically to minimize the risk of 1
wildfires that exists when certain atmospheric conditions occur within geographic areas designated as 2
fire threat areas. The new steel structures would be able to withstand more severe fire conditions than the 3
existing wood poles and, therefore, would result in a beneficial impact for fire service providers. 4
5
(2) Police Protection 6
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT 7
8
Construction of the proposed project may require the assistance of the Orange County Sherriff’s 9
Department in the event of theft or vandalism of the applicant’s property (e.g., equipment, materials) 10
Security fencing, locking gates, and security personnel would be used to secure stored equipment at the 11
substations, staging yards, and right-of-ways (ROWs); therefore, the likelihood of such occurrences 12
would be relatively low, and there would be no significant impact to police services during construction. 13
14
Operation and maintenance activities would be similar to those associated with the existing facilities and 15
substations and, therefore, would not create a new impact on police services. 16
17
(3) Schools 18
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT 19
20
As discussed in Section 2.4.1.2, “Construction Workforce and Equipment,” up to 80 construction 21
workers per day would be required to construct the proposed project. In the event that all 80 workers 22
have to temporarily relocated to the proposed project area from outside of the area, the population of 23
Orange County would increase up to 80 persons during peak construction, which would be a 0.03 24
increase compared to the Orange County population in 2013 (USCB 2014). Therefore, the increased 25
population would have a less than significant impact to the school districts’ enrollment rates throughout 26
Orange County. No new or physically altered schools would be necessary as a result of the proposed 27
project, and impacts to schools would be less than significant. 28
29
Construction of the proposed project would occur adjacent to San Juan Hills High School. Impacts to the 30
school related to air quality, noise, and traffic are discussed in Section 4.3, “Air Quality;” Section 4.11, 31
“Noise and Vibration;” and Section 4.15, “Transportation and Traffic,” respectively. 32
33
(4) Parks 34
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT 35
36
As discussed in Section 2.4.1.2, “Construction Workforce and Equipment,” up to 80 construction 37
workers per day would be required to construct the proposed project. In the event that all 80 workers 38
have to temporarily relocated to the proposed project area from outside of the area, the population of 39
Orange County would increase up to 80 persons during peak construction, which would be a 0.03 40
increase compared to the Orange County population in 2013 (USCB 2014). The temporary population 41
increase would be insignificant with respect to the total population of Orange County, San Juan 42
Capistrano, or San Clemente, and would not directly create a significant increase in the demand for the 43
local parks. 44
45
Construction of the proposed project would temporarily restrict access to portions of Arroyo Park, 46
Russell Cook Park, and El Camino Real Park, and the Junipero Serra Park. Additionally, construction of 47
the proposed project would require a 6-week closure of Junipero Serra Park. The applicant would 48
implement APM-PS-1 through APM-PS-3 to ensure that pedestrian and bicycle access would not be 49
completely restricted during construction and that park facilities and roadways are returned to pre-50
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.13-11 DRAFT EIR
construction conditions at the end of construction. APM-PS-1 would not be applicable to Junipero Serra 1
Park as the location of the park, which abuts I-15 perpendicularly, would not provide through pedestrian 2
or bicyclist access. Construction of the proposed project would not result in the need to restrict access to 3
the entire park; however, tThe change in access to the existing parks may indirectly cause increased 4
demand for other local non-restricted parks. Due to the quantity of city, county, and state parks in the 5
area and the relatively temporary nature of construction associated with the proposed project, direct 6
impacts to access to parks would be less than significant. A discussion regarding the impact from use of 7
recreational facilities is further discussed in Section 4.14, “Recreation.” 8
9
(5) Other Public Facilities 10
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT 11
12
As discussed in Section 2.4.1.2, “Construction Workforce and Equipment,” up to 80 construction 13
workers per day would be required to construct the proposed project. In the event that all 80 workers 14
have to temporarily relocated to the proposed project area from outside of the area, the population of 15
Orange County would increase up to 80 persons during peak construction, which would be a 0.03 16
increase compared to the Orange County population in 2013 (USCB 2014). The temporary population 17
increase would be insignificant with respect to the total population of Orange County; therefore, local 18
libraries, hospitals, or other public service facilities would have sufficient capacity to accommodate the 19
change in population and the proposed project would not necessitate the construction of new, or 20
alteration of existing, public facilities for these uses. Impacts on public facilities would be less than 21
significant. 22
23
Impact PS-2: Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities 24
or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause 25
significant environmental effects. 26
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT 27
28
Storm water drainage at the San Juan Capistrano Substation currently flows to a discharge structure 29
located at the southwest corner of the site where it is discharged via an 18-inch pipe into the existing 57-30
inch city storm drain running along Camino Capistrano. A portion of the northwestern quadrant of the 31
site drains by sheet flow to the curb inlets along the east side of Camino Capistrano. 32
33
Construction at the San Juan Capistrano Substation includes installation of a new storm water drainage 34
system. Storm water would be collected by a series of inlets, culverts, and bioswales, and would be 35
conveyed to the bioretention facilities at the southwest corner of the San Juan Capistrano Substation. The 36
bioretention facilities would have a controlled discharge to the existing 57-inch storm sewer running 37
underneath Camino Capistrano. As a result of the new storm water drainage system, there would be no 38
additional sheet flow runoff from the site to the curb and gutters on Camino Capistrano. No other 39
drainage facilities would be constructed or expanded as part of the project. 40
41
Project construction would generate storm water runoff and runoff from dust control activities. The 42
proposed project would not result in a substantial increase in the amount of impervious surfaces, and 43
runoff volumes are anticipated to be roughly the same as current conditions. No new public stormwater 44
drainage facilities or expansion of existing public facilities would be required. Therefore, impacts under 45
this criterion would be less than significant. 46
47
Impacts associated with stormwater are also discussed in Section 4.9, “Hydrology and Water Quality.” 48
49
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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Impact PS-3: Insufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing 1
entitlements and resources or new or expanded entitlements required. 2
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION 3
4
Construction of the proposed project would require approximately 82 acre-feet (af) (26,618,996 gallons) 5
of water for dust control used during grading and site development activities and during foundation work 6
(concrete). Water would be obtained from municipal water sources. 7
8
The Municipal Water District of Orange County had a water demand of 485,311 afy in 2010. The 9
proposed project would only require 0.01 percent of that demand during construction. Although the 10
Municipal Water District of Orange County appears to have sufficient water supplies available for the 11
applicant’s construction needs, due to the rapidly evolving drought conditions in the state of California, it 12
is unknown whether the Municipal Water District of Orange County will have sufficient water supplies 13
available at the time of construction. Therefore, MM PS-1 is required (see Section 4.13.4, “Mitigation 14
Measures”). With the implementation of MM PS-1, which requires the preparation of a Water Efficiency 15
Plan and the use of reclaimed water, to the extent feasible, impacts would be reduced to less than 16
significant. 17
18
Operation and maintenance activities would be similar to those associated with the existing facilities and, 19
therefore, would have no impact on water supply from existing entitlements. 20
21
Impact PS-4: Be served by a landfill without sufficient permitted capacity to 22
accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal needs. 23
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT 24
25
The proposed project would generate approximately 75,500 CY of solid waste during construction. For 26
disposal of typical construction debris, threethe four Class III sanitary landfills in Orange Countythe 27
vicinity of the proposed project could serve the proposed project, including Prima Deshecha, Olinda 28
Alpha, Otay, and Frank R. Bowerman. As shown in Table 4.13-3, the total remaining capacity of the 29
three Class III landfills is approximately 330355 million CY. The applicant would recycle and salvage 30
construction waste materials, where feasible, to assist the local jurisdictions in meeting their solid waste 31
diversion goals and Assembly Bill 939 and Assembly Bill 341 standards. Additionally, as discussed 32
above, two Class I landfills with sufficient capacity to accept the proposed project’s quantities of 33
hazardous waste materials would be available. Therefore, impacts under this criterion would be less than 34
significant. 35
36
Transmission Line Segment 3 crosses the entrance to the Prima Deshecha Sanitary Landfill. Other than 37
the disposal of solid wastes at the Prima Deshecha Sanitary Landfill as discussed above, construction 38
activities of the proposed project would have no impact to the capacity of the facility. The proposed 39
project would not use the La Pata Avenue Greenwaste Facility located at the intersection of La Pata and 40
Vista Montana in San Juan Capistrano. Construction of Transmission Line Segments 2 and 3 would 41
occur near the La Pata Avenue Greenwaste Facility, but would not be located within the facility. 42
Therefore, the project would have no impact to the capacity of the facility. 43
44
Operation and maintenance activities would be similar to those associated with the existing facilities and, 45
therefore, would have no impact on solid waste facilities. 46
47
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Impact PS-5: Noncompliance with federal, state, or local statutes and regulations related 1
to solid waste. 2
NO IMPACT 3
4
Construction and operation of the proposed project would require limited use of hazardous materials 5
(e.g., fuels, lubricants, and cleaning solvents). The applicant would dispose of hazardous waste at either 6
the Kettleman Hills Facility or Clean Harbors Buttonwillow LLC. 7
8
Utility wood waste (poles and cross arms) removed during construction of the project would be 9
refurbished or disposed of at the Prima Deshecha Sanitary Landfill, which is a solid waste facility 10
approved by the San Diego RWQCB for the disposal of treated wood waste. Other hazardous wastes 11
(e.g., transformer oil) generated by construction and operation of the proposed project and its disposal 12
are further discussed in Section 4.8, “Hazards and Hazardous Materials.” 13
14
Construction of the proposed project would also result in the generation of various non-hazardous solid 15
wastes. The applicant would recycle and salvage construction waste materials, where feasible, to assist 16
the local jurisdictions in meeting their solid waste diversion goals and Assembly Bill 939 and Assembly 17
Bill 341 standards. There are threefour Class III sanitary landfills in Orange Countythe vicinity of the 18
proposed project that have the capacity to receive the remaining non-hazardous solid waste. The 19
proposed project would have no impact on federal, state, or local statutes and regulations related to solid 20
waste. 21
22
4.13.4 Mitigation Measures 23
24
MM PS-1: Water Efficiency Plan. The applicant will make reasonable attempts to reduce overall water 25
use and will reduce potable water use by at least 20 percent during drought conditions, as declared by the 26
State of California. The applicant will be required to research reclaimed water sources and acquire 27
reclaimed water to the greatest extent practicable. The applicant will prepare and submit a Water 28
Efficiency Plan to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for review and approval at least 60 29
days prior to construction. The Water Efficiency Plan will detail the applicant’s water efficiency 30
measures, including the use of reclaimed water, palliatives, alternative construction methods, or other 31
measures proposed by the applicant. The Water Efficiency Plan will detail the applicant’s attempts to 32
secure reclaimed water. In the event that a sufficient supply of reclaimed water cannot be reasonably 33
obtained, the applicant will provide a well-documented justification for any use of potable water to be 34
used for construction activities. If, at any time during construction, the State Water Resources Control 35
Board (SWRCB) rescinds their Emergency Regulations (Resolution No. 2014-0038) due to a cessation of 36
drought conditions in the state, the applicant may request that the CPUC rescind this mitigation measure. 37
Alternatively, the applicant will need to revise their Water Efficiency Plan to remain in compliance with 38
future adopted SWRCB regulations regarding water use during drought conditions. 39
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4.14 RECREATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.14-1 DRAFT EIR
1
4.14 Recreation 2
3
This section describes the environmental and regulatory settings and discusses impacts associated with 4
construction and operation of the South Orange County Reliability Enhancement Project (proposed 5
project) with respect to recreation. The following issues related to recreation were raised during scoping 6
for the proposed project and are addressed in this section: impacts on Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club 7
users, potential impact on the Cristianitos Trail, the San Juan Creek Regional Riding and Hiking Trail, 8
the existing Prima Deshecha Trail, and the proposed Prima Deshecha Trail. Impacts on bikeways and 9
other alternative transportation are addressed in Section 4.15, “Transportation and Traffic.” Electro-10
magnetic fields are discussed in Section 4.8, “Hazards and Hazardous Materials.” Section 4.1, 11
“Aesthetics,” addresses impacts associated visual quality along Camino Capistrano. 12
13
4.14.1 Setting 14
15
The proposed project would be located in the cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, and in 16
unincorporated areas of southwestern Orange County. Talega Substation, which would connect to the 17
proposed San Juan Capistrano Substation, is located in an unincorporated area of northwestern San 18
Diego County, on land owned and under the jurisdiction of the United States Marine Corps within its 19
Camp Pendleton base. 20
21
Recreational areas within the proposed project area are illustrated in Figure 4.10-1 in Section 4.10, “Land 22
Use and Planning.” As detailed in Table 4.14-1, numerous recreational areas, including public parks and 23
recreation areas, golf courses, private recreation areas, and equestrian, bicycle, and hiking trails are 24
located in the vicinity of the proposed project. Table 4.14-1 lists riding and hiking trails either within the 25
project boundary or within a 1-mile radius of the proposed project. Additional information is provided in 26
the Regional Riding and Hiking Trails Maps in the Recreation Element of the Orange County General 27
Plan (County of Orange 2005); the Parks and Recreation Element of the City of San Juan Capistrano 28
General Plan and the City’s recreational trail map (City of San Juan Capistrano 1999, 2007); and the 29
Recreation Element of the City of San Clemente General Plan, as well as the City’s Trail & Bikeways 30
Map (City of San Clemente 2014a,b). There are no regional parks or trails within the unincorporated 31
areas of the counties of Orange or San Diego within 1 mile of the proposed project. 32
33
Table 4.14-1 Recreational Facilities in the Vicinity of the Proposed Project
Recreational Facility Name Recreational Facility Details Closest Proposed Project
Component City of San Juan Capistrano
Community center/recreation area A private recreation area that includes a
toddler playground and volleyball court. The
community is bounded by Avenida De La
Vista, Calle San Diego, and Calle San
Antonio
0 feet from Transmission Line Segment 1a
El Camino Real Park A 4.5-acre public park featuring bike paths,
grassy areas, picnic tables, and restrooms.
500 feet west of Pole 2a;Transmission
Line Segment 1a ; Distribution Line
Segment A
Camino Capistrano Greenway A public park corridor with walking trails and
grassy areas
0 feet from Transmission Line Segment
1a; 0 feet from Distribution Line Segment
A
Junipero Serra Park A 3.75-acre public park that features bike
paths, a children’s play area, and a grassy
area.
0 feet from Transmission Line Segment
1b; 0 feet from Distribution Line Segment
B
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.14 RECREATION
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Table 4.14-1 Recreational Facilities in the Vicinity of the Proposed Project
Recreational Facility Name Recreational Facility Details Closest Proposed Project
Component Arroyo Park A 3.6-acre public park that includes
equestrian trails and a grassy area
0 feet from Transmission Line Segment 1b
Russell Cook Park This public park spans three areas: Cordova
(9.0 acres), Del Campo (1.5 acres), and La
Novia (6.5 acres). The park is a major
community park that features barbecue and
fire rings, bike paths, equestrian/hiking trails,
multi-purpose fields, grassy areas, softball
and soccer fields, volleyball courts, and
restroom facilities.
0 feet from Transmission Line Segment 1b
Lot “F” in the Whispering Hills
Planned Community
The Whispering Hills Estates includes a 169-
acre conservation easement and a private
neighborhood park within the east canyon
residential area. The private park includes a
grassy area and recreational courts.
0 feet from Transmission Line Segments
1b and 2 and 550 feet west of Segment 3
Marbella Golf Course and Country
Club
A private club that provides golf, tennis,
swimming, and a club house for social
events.
0 feet from Transmission Line Segment 1b
San Juan Hills Golf Club The San Juan Hills Golf Club is a private golf
course with a sports bar and grill.
0.6 miles west of Transmission Line
Segment 1b
Caballo Trail, Belford-Marbella
Trail, the San Juan Creek Trail,
Las Vaqueres Trail, Juliana Farms
Trail, the Whispering Hills East
and West Trails.
Multiple riding (horse and bicycle) and hiking
trails traverse through the proposed project
area. More trails are currently proposed,
including the San Juan Creek Trail, which
would travel northwest through the city along
the north side of San Juan Creek and
provide connections the Caballo, Belford-
Marbella, and La Novia trails within the
vicinity of the proposed project. South of San
Juan Creek, the Las Vaqueras Trail and
Golondrina Trail connect to the Juliana
Farms, La Mancha, Forster Ridgeline, and
Whispering Hills trails, which continue south
through the Prima Deshecha trail network
and toward the City of San Clemente.
Transmission Line Segment 1b and
Segment 3 pass over some segment of
each trail.
City of San Clemente
Prima Deshecha Trail and
Regional Park1
The Prima Deshecha Trail is broken into two
sections, a 1.8-mile north section and a 3.1-
mile south section. The dirt trail winds behind
an industrial park at the intersection of Pico
and Vista Hermosa. Orange County indicates
that the Prima Deshecha Landfill’s end use
will be a regional park (County of Orange
2014). The planned park would be located in
a currently active refuse disposal area that is
expected to be filled in 2019. The park may
also include perimeter multiuse trails that
would connect to existing trails west and east
of the park (County of Orange 2010).
0 feet from Transmission Line Segment 3
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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Table 4.14-1 Recreational Facilities in the Vicinity of the Proposed Project
Recreational Facility Name Recreational Facility Details Closest Proposed Project
Component La Pata Vista Hermosa Sports
Park
This sports park is located at a 45-acre site
owned by the City of San Clemente at the
southwest corner of the intersection of
Avenida La Pata and Avenue Vista Hermosa.
250 feet from the proposed project
disturbance area
Talega Golf Club, Pacific Golf and
Country Club
The Talega Golf Club is an 18-hole public
golf course.
0.20 miles west from Transmission Line
Segment 3
Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club The Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club is a
private club that provides golf, tennis,
swimming, and a club house for social
events.
Within 250 feet from Transmission Line
Segment 3
Forster Ridgeline Trail1 The Forster Ridgeline trail trends from the
southwest to the northeast from Avenida
Vista Hermosa to the San Clemente–San
Juan Capistrano City boundary.
0 feet from Transmission Line Segments
1b, 2, and 3
Pico and Cristianitos Trails The Pico and Cristianitos trails connect the
Prima Deshecha south trail to conservation
areas north (Rancho Mission Viejo) and
south (San Onofre State Beach).
0 feet from Transmission Line Segments 3
and 4
Unincorporated San Diego County
San Onofre Beach Preserve The San Onofre Beach Preserve runs south
from Talega Park to the Pacific Ocean. The
preserve includes multiple trails, unpaved
roads, a campground.
0 feet from Transmission Line Segments 4
Sources: County of Orange 2005; City of San Juan Capistrano 1999, 2007; City of San Clemente 2014a,b; OCPW 2014
Notes:
1. Recreational facility may be closed in the proposed project area through fall 2016 due to construction of the La Pata Extension Project
(OCPW 2014)
1
4.14.2 Regulatory Setting 2
3
4.14.2.1 Federal and State 4
There are no federal or state regulations that apply to the impact analysis on recreation in the proposed 5
project area. 6
7
4.14.2.2 Regional and Local 8
9
County of Orange 10
No goals or policies listed in the Recreation Element of the Orange County General Plan regarding 11
recreation would apply to the proposed projects (County of Orange 2005). 12
13
City of San Clemente 14
The City of San Clemente General Plan establishes a number of goals designed to maintain and improve 15
recreational opportunities with the intent of making the City a year-round recreation destination. The 16
following policies apply to the proposed project with respect to recreation:None of the policies 17
established to reach the goals, however, apply to the analyses presented in this section 18
19
BPR-4.01. Open Space Preservation. We encourage and support the preservation of open space within 20
and adjacent to the City. 21
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.14 RECREATION
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BPR-4.02. Trails and Staging Areas. We support the development, maintenance and enhancement of 1
local trails and staging areas using best sustainable practices (City of San Clemente 20141). 2
3
Additional Ppolicies regarding the preservation of natural features and open space are addressed in 4
Section 4.1, “Aesthetics,” and Section 4.10, “Land Use.” Policies regarding pedestrian and bicycle trails 5
are addressed in Section 4.15, “Transportation and Traffic.” 6
7
City of San Juan Capistrano 8
The City of San Juan Capistrano General Plan establishes a number of goals designed to maintain and 9
improve recreational opportunities within the city. The following policy applies to the proposed project 10
with respect to recreation: 11
12
Policy 1.9. Utilize existing public utility easements for recreation and open space. 13
14
4.14.3 Impact Analysis 15
16
4.14.3.1 Methodology and Significance Criteria 17
18
To assess impacts on recreation, the proposed construction schedule and number of construction workers 19
(Chapter 2, “Project Description”) was reviewed to determine whether the proposed project would 20
involve the relocation of workers to the proposed project area. An increase in population in the proposed 21
project area could lead to increased use of recreation facilities. Potential impacts on recreation were 22
evaluated according to the following significance criterion, which is based on the checklist items 23
presented in Appendix G of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. The proposed 24
project would cause a significant impact on recreation if it would: 25
26
a) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such 27
that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated. 28
29
Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines also includes the following checklist item: 30
31
Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities 32
which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. 33
34
The proposed project would not include or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities. 35
Therefore, this item is not applied as a criterion in the analysis of environmental impacts presented in the 36
following sections. 37
38
4.14.3.2 Applicant Proposed Measure 39
40
There are no Applicant Proposed Measures (APMs) associated with Recreation. See Section 2.6, 41
“Applicant Procedures, Plans, Standards, and Proposed Measures,” for a complete description of each 42
project commitment. 43
44
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4.14.3.3 Environmental Impacts 1
2
Impact RE-1: Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other 3
recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility 4
would occur or be accelerated. 5
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT 6
7
Construction of the proposed project would occur within portions of Camino Capistrano Greenway, 8
Junipero Serra Park, Arroyo Park, Russell Cook Park, Lot “F”, Marbella Golf Course and Country Club, 9
Prima Deshecha Regional Park, San Onofre Beach Preserve and several city and regional trails (see 10
Table 4.14-1). Construction activities have the potential to significantly accelerate the deterioration of 11
these recreational facilities through ground disturbance and damage to equipment or buildings. The 12
applicant would implement APM-PS-2 to ensure that recreational facilities are returned to pre-13
construction conditions at the end of construction. Implementation of APM-PS-2 would reduce potential 14
direct impacts on recreational facilities to a less than significant level. 15
16
As discussed in Section 2.4.1.2, “Construction Workforce and Equipment,” up to 80 construction 17
workers per day would be required to construct the proposed project. In the event that all 80 workers 18
needed to temporarily relocate to the proposed project area from outside of the area, the population of 19
Orange County would increase by 80 persons during peak construction, which would be a 0.03 percent 20
increase compared to Orange County’s population in 2013 (USCB 2014). This temporary population 21
increase would be insignificant with respect to the total population of Orange County and would not 22
directly create a significant increase in the demand for the local parks. 23
24
The number and variety of recreational facilities within the proposed project area, some of which are 25
shown in Figure 4.10-1, would be adequate to accommodate the potential increase in use of local 26
recreational areas and facilities by construction workers, particularly because workers could relocate to 27
anywhere within the greater project vicinity. 28
29
Operation and maintenance activities at each substation and segment of the proposed project would not 30
require staff beyond the existing San Diego Gas & Electric Company staff that already conducts periodic 31
inspections and maintenance of these facilities. There would be no long-term increase in the use of 32
existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities. A less than significant impact 33
would result from the proposed project under this criterion. 34
35
4.14.4 Mitigation Measures 36
37
No mitigation measures are required. 38
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.14 RECREATION
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.14-6 DRAFT EIR
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SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.15 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.15-1 DRAFT EIR
4.15 Transportation and Traffic 1
2
This section describes the environmental and regulatory setting and discusses impacts associated with the 3
construction and operation of the South Orange County Reliability Enhancement Project (proposed 4
project) with respect to transportation and traffic. During scoping, comments addressing the following 5
issues were received and are addressed in this section: impacts on traffic during construction, impacts 6
from staging areas that would be used during construction, impacts from road closures on La Pata 7
Avenue and Vista Montana, and impacts from trenching on the roadbed within the recently paved 8
areas of State Route (SR)-74. 9
10
4.15.1 Environmental Setting 11
12
Private vehicles are the primary mode of transportation throughout the proposed project area. The 13
transportation system in the areas of unincorporated Orange County and the cities of San Clemente, San 14
Juan Capistrano, and United States Marine Corps land in San Diego County where the proposed project 15
would be situated, also includes bus transit, commuter and regional rail, bicycle facilities, pedestrian 16
facilities, and multi-use trails. The following sections describe these facilities in greater detail. 17
18
Information regarding roadway system and transportation infrastructure was obtained from highway 19
maps, route alignment maps, the Proponent’s Environmental Assessment, and other maps from various 20
reports and websites of the affected State, regional, and local agencies. Roadway capacities and operating 21
criteria were obtained from general plans, regional transportation authorities, engineering departments, 22
and public works departments of the affected agencies. Lane information was obtained from aerial 23
photographs, local government agencies, and public maps. 24
25
4.15.1.1 Regional Highway Network 26
27
The primary highways in the proposed project area include SR-74 and Interstate 5 (I-5). Highways are 28
discussed further below and shown in Appendix I. 29
30
Interstate-5 31
I-5 runs north to south from the Canadian border to the city of San Diego. Within the proposed project 32
area, I-5 is an eight- to ten-lane highway and is the primary regional north-south transportation route. I-5 33
runs through parts of the city of San Juan Capistrano and the city of San Clemente. 34
35
State Route 74 36
SR-74, also known as Ortega Highway in the proposed project area, is a state highway that runs west 37
from Riverside County near the city of Palm Desert, to San Juan Capistrano in Orange County. SR-74 is a 38
two- to six-lane highway in the proposed project area. 39
40
4.15.1.2 Local Roadway Network 41
42
The local roads that would be utilized as construction access routes or crossed by the proposed project 43
are listed in Table 4.15-1. Local roadways that would be affected by the proposed project are classified 44
as either arterial or collector roadways. An arterial roadway is a roadway that is interrupted by traffic 45
control devices such as signals or stop signs and primarily serves through traffic. A collector roadway is 46
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.15 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.15-2 DRAFT EIR
a roadway that provides land access and traffic circulation within residential, commercial, and industrial 1
areas (Transportation Research Board 2010). 2
3
Table 4.15-1 Local Roadways Affected by the Proposed Project
Roadway Roadway
Classification Project Component Relation to Proposed Project City of San Juan Capistrano
Oso Road Collector Transmission Line Segment 1a Construction access route.
Avenida De La
Vista
Collector New circuit structures would be placed along
the east side of the road between Calle San
Antonio and Calle San Diego.
Calle San Diego Collector Crossing (underground).
Camino Capistrano Arterial San Juan Capistrano Substation;
Transmission Line Segment 1a;
12-kV Segments A, B
Construction access route. Transmission Line
Segment 1a crossing (underground). 12-kV
Segment A runs along roadway (underground)
adjacent to San Juan Capistrano Substation.
Junipero Serra
Road
Arterial San Juan Capistrano Substation;
12-kV Segments A through L
Construction access route.
Calle Bonita Collector San Juan Capistrano Substation;
Transmission Line Segment 1b;
12-kV Segment B
San Juan Capistrano Substation is located on
the north side of the road. Construction
access route for Transmission Line Segment
1b. 12-kV Segment B runs along roadway
(underground) adjacent to San Juan
Capistrano Substation.
Calle Santa
Rosalia
Collector San Juan Capistrano Substation is located on
the west side of the road north of Calle Bonita.
Transmission Line Segment 1b crossing
(overhead and underground). 12-kV Segment
B runs along roadway (underground) adjacent
to San Juan Capistrano Substation.
Rancho Viejo
Road
Arterial Transmission Line Segment 1b;
12-kV Segments D through L
Transmission Line Segment 1b crossing
(overhead) and construction access route. 12-
kV Segments D and E run along roadway
(underground). Golf Club Drive Arterial Transmission Line Segment 1b crossing
(overhead). Via Priorato Collector Construction access route. Carril de Maderas Collector Construction access route.
Calle de la Rosa Collector Transmission Line Segment 1b crossing
(overhead) and construction access route.
Sundance Drive Collector Transmission Line Segment 1b crossing
(overhead) and construction access route.
Calle Arroyo Collector Transmission Line Segment 1b Transmission Line Segment 1b crossing
(overhead) and construction access route.
La Novia Avenue Collector Transmission Line Segment 1b;
12-kV Segment F
Construction access route.
San Juan Creek
Road
Arterial Transmission Line Segment 1b Transmission Line Segment 1b crossing
(overhead) and construction access route.
Juliana Farms
Road
Collector Transmission Line Segment 1b Construction access route, link to Staging
Area 1.
Via Pomplana Collector Transmission Line Segment 1b, 2 Transmission Line Segment 2 (underground)
along roadway and construction access route.
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.15 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.15-3 DRAFT EIR
Table 4.15-1 Local Roadways Affected by the Proposed Project
Roadway Roadway
Classification Project Component Relation to Proposed Project City of San Juan Capistrano and Unincorporated Orange County
Vista Montana Collector Transmission Line Segments 1b, 2,
3; 12-kV Segments I, J
Transmission Line Segment 2 (underground)
along roadway and construction access route.
Removal of 12-kV Segment J that runs along
roadway. (underground). 12-kV Segment I
runs along roadway (underground).
La Pata Avenue Collector Transmission Line Segments 1b, 2,
3; 12-kV Segments G through L
Construction access route. Runs parallel to
Transmission Line Segment 3. Link to Staging
Area 2. 12-kV Segments G, H, I, K, and L run
along roadway (underground and overhead).
City of San Clemente
Calle Saluda Collector Transmission Line Segment 3
Transmission Line Segment 3 crossing
(overhead) and construction access route.
Avenida La Pata Arterial Construction access route. Runs parallel to
Transmission Line Segment 3.
Avenida Vista
Hermosa
Arterial Transmission Line Segment 3 crossing
(overhead). Construction access route and
link to Staging Area 3.
Avenida Pico Arterial Transmission Line Segments 3, 4;
Talega Substation; 12-kV Segment
M
Construction access route for Transmission
Line Segments 3 and 4,Talega Substation,
and 12-kV Segment M. Transmission Line
Segment 3 crossing (overhead). Link to
Staging Area 5.
Calle Del Cerro Collector Transmission Line Segments 3, 4;
Talega Substation Construction access route and link to Staging
Area 4.
Avenida Vista
Montana
Collector Transmission Line Segments 3, 4;
Talega Substation Construction access route and link to Staging
Area 4. Source: SDG&E 2012
Key:
kV = kilovolt 1
4.15.1.3 Existing Traffic Conditions 2
3
Level of service (LOS) is the measure of traffic performance established by the Transportation Research 4
Board’s Highway Capacity Manual. It is used to measure the average operating conditions on roadways 5
and at intersections during a one-hour period. The metric is based on volume-to-capacity (V/C) ratio, 6
which compares roadway capacity to level of traffic during peak hours. Once determined, a V/C ratio is 7
assigned a corresponding LOS value to describe roadway or intersection operations. Roadways and 8
intersections that are at or near capacity experience greater congestion and corresponding vehicle delay. 9
The highest ranked roadways are designated “LOS A,” representing free-flowing traffic, and the lowest 10
ranked roadways are designated “LOS F,” representing extreme congestion. “LOS D” is generally 11
identified as the maximum level of delay that motorists will find acceptable in suburban areas, and “LOS 12
C” is the maximum level of delay determined to be acceptable in rural areas (AASHTO 2004). 13
14
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Guidance for the Administration of the Orange County 15
Master Plan of Arterial Highways utilizes the definitions of the six LOSs provided in the 2010 Highway 16
Capacity Manual. OCTA’s LOS definitions are also consistent overall with those included in the Orange 17
County General Plan planning criteria for determining arterial highway classifications. Table 4.15-2 18
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.15 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.15-4 DRAFT EIR
provides general descriptions of LOS based on Orange County’s definitions for uninterrupted flow 1
facilities such as arterial roadways. 2
3
Table 4.15-2 OCTA Level of Service Definitions for Uninterrupted Flow Facilities
Level of Service Definition
A Describes primarily free-flow operation. Vehicles are completely unimpeded in their ability to maneuver within the
traffic stream. Control delay at the boundary intersections is minimal. The travel speed exceeds 85% of the base
free-flow speed.
B Describes reasonably unimpeded operation. The ability to maneuver within the traffic stream is only slightly
restricted, and control delay at the boundary intersections is not significant. The travel speed is between 67% and
85% of the base free-flow speed.
C Describes stable operation. The ability to maneuver and change lanes at mid-segment locations may be more
restricted than at LOS B. Longer queues at the boundary intersections may contribute to lower travel speeds. The
travel speed is between 50% and 67% of the base free-flow speed.
D Indicates a less stable condition in which small increases in flow may cause substantial increases in delay and
decreases in travel speed. This operation may be due to adverse signal progression, high volume, or
inappropriate signal timing at boundary intersections. The travel speed is between 40% and 50% of the base free-
flow speed.
E Is characterized by unstable operation and significant delay. Such operations may be due to some combination of
adverse progression, high volume, and inappropriate signal timing at the boundary intersections. The travel
speed is between 30% and 40% of the base free-flow speed.
F Is characterized by flow at extremely low speed. Congestion is likely occurring at the boundary intersections, as
indicated by high delay and extensive queuing. The travel speed is 30% or less of the base free-flow speed. Also,
LOS F is assigned to the subject direction of travel if the through movement at one or more boundary
intersections has a volume-to-capacity ratio greater than 1.0. Source: OCTA 2012
4
Existing Level of Service in the Proposed Project Area 5
Table 4.15-3 shows the Year 2015 baseline average daily traffic (ADT) volumes and LOS (LLG 2015a,b) 6
for local roadways affected by the proposed project area. 7
8
Table 4.15-3 Existing Average Daily Traffic and Level of Service – Year 2015
Roadway Classification
Existing Capacity (LOS E)1
Existing ADT V/C
Existing LOS
Junipero Serra Road 4 Lanes Undivided 25,000 14,700 0.588 A
Camino Capistrano (North of SR-
74)
3 Lanes Undivided 18,750 15,200 0.811 D
Camino Capistrano (South of
SR-74)
4 Lanes Undivided 25,000 18,900 0.756 C
Rancho Viejo Road 4 Lanes Undivided 25,000 14,100 0.564 A
Calle Arroyo 4 Lanes Undivided 25,000 7,800 0.312 A
San Juan Creek Road 2 Lanes Undivided 12,500 11,500 0.920 E
La Novia Avenue 2 Lanes Undivided 12,500 14,000 1.120 F
Via Pomplana 2 Lanes Undivided 12,5003 700 0.056 A
Vista Montana 4 Lanes Divided 37,5003 6,700 0.179 A
Calle San Diego 2 Lanes Undivided 12,5003 800 0.064 A
La Pata Avenue 2 Lanes Undivided 12,500 5,300 0.424 A
Avenida la Pata (North of
Avenida Pico)
6 Lanes Divided 56,300 6,600 0.117 A
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.15 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.15-5 DRAFT EIR
Table 4.15-3 Existing Average Daily Traffic and Level of Service – Year 2015
Roadway Classification
Existing Capacity (LOS E)1
Existing ADT V/C
Existing LOS
Avenida la Pata (South of
Avenida Pico)
4 Lanes Divided 37,500 9,900 0.264 A
Avenida Vista Hermosa 4 Lanes Divided 37,500 31,900 0.851 D
Calle Del Cerro 2 Lanes Divided 12,500 15,400 1.232 F
Avenida Vista Montana 2 Lanes Undivided 12,200 6,600 0.528 A
Avenida Pico (West of Avenida
La Pata)
6 Lanes Divided 56,300 51,700 0.918 E
Avenida Pico (East of Avenida
La Pata)
6 Lanes Divided 56,300 15,400 0.274 A
Calle Saluda 2 Lanes Undivided 12,500 4,300 0.344 A
SR-74 (West of La Novia
Avenue)
4 Lanes Undivided 25,000 46,700 1.868 F
SR-74 (East of La Novia
Avenue)
4 Lanes Undivided 25,000 46,700 1.868 F
Interstate 5 (North of SR-74) 8 Main Lanes + 2
HOV Lanes
180,0002 269,200 1.496 F
Interstate 5 (South of SR-74) 8 Main Lanes + 2
HOV Lanes
180,0002 297,700 1.654 F
Source: LLG 2015a,b
Key:
ADT = average daily traffic
HOV = high occupancy vehicle
LOS = level of service
SR-74 = State Route 74
Notes: 1 Capacities based on Orange County Highway Design Manual Roadway Classification Table. 2 Capacities based on City of San Diego Roadway Classification Table. 3 During construction, partial closure of this roadway is required, which would lower the roadway capacity. As confirmed by SDG&E, the
capacity of the roadway would be reduced by no more than half during construction. For the purposes of this analysis, the capacity was
reduced by half.
1
4.15.1.4 Public Transit Systems and Pedestrian and Bicycle Trails 2
3
Bus Systems 4
OCTA manages bus services throughout Orange County. The overall bus network includes 77 bus routes. 5
Bus routes within the proposed project area are described in Table 4.15-4. A bus stop serving Route 91 is 6
located in front of Capistrano Substation on Camino Capistrano just north of Calle Bonita (OCTA 2014a, 7
2013a). 8
9
Table 4.15-4 Bus Routes within the Proposed Project Area
Jurisdiction Roadway Bus Route(s) Project Component1
City of San Juan
Capistrano
Camino Capistrano 91, 191 San Juan Capistrano Substation, Transmission
Line Segment 1a; 12-kV Line Segments A, B
Junipero Serra Road 91 San Juan Capistrano Substation; Distribution Line
Segments A through L
Rancho Viejo Road 91, 191, 212, 216 Transmission Line Segment 1b; 12-kV Segments
D through L
SR-74 191 Transmission Line Segment 1b; 12-kV Segment F
Calle Arroyo 191 Transmission Line Segment 1b
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.15 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.15-6 DRAFT EIR
Table 4.15-4 Bus Routes within the Proposed Project Area
Jurisdiction Roadway Bus Route(s) Project Component1
La Novia Avenue 191 Transmission Line Segment 1b; 12-kV Segment F
City of San Clemente
Avenida Pico 91, 191, 193 Transmission Line Segments 3, 4; Talega
Substation, 12-kV Segments M
Avenida La Pata 191, 193 Transmission Line Segment 3
Calle Del Cerro 191 Transmission Line Segments 3, 4; Talega
Substation
Avenida Vista Hermosa 193 Transmission Line Segment 3 Source: OCTA 2014a
Key:
kV = kilovolt
SR-74 = State Route 74
Note: 1 Relation to proposed project components can include construction access routes, adjacency to bus route, and/or cross roadway. Table
4.15-1 contains additional information on each roadway’s relation to proposed project components.
1
Railroads 2
The Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor (LOSSAN Corridor) travels through six 3
counties in the coastal region of Southern California. In Orange County, the OCTA is the current owner 4
of the LOSSAN Corridor. The previous owner, Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway (BNSF), still 5
maintains a permanent use easement for freight service operation along the corridor (Caltrans and 6
USDOT Federal Railroad Administration 2003; San Juan Capistrano 1999). There are three rail stations 7
along the LOSSAN Corridor within the city of San Clemente and the city of San Juan Capistrano. San 8
Juan Capistrano Station is located at 26701 Verdugo Street near Camino Capistrano. The city of San 9
Clemente has two rail stations: the San Clemente Station, located at 1850 Avenida Estacion, and the San 10
Clemente Pier Station, located at 615 Avenida Victoria. 11
12
Metrolink, operated by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), provides commuter 13
rail service along the LOSSAN Corridor. Rail stations in the city of San Juan Capistrano and the city of 14
San Clemente are served by Metrolink Inland Empire-Orange County Line and the Orange County Line 15
(OCTA 2013a; Metrolink 2014). All construction activities within the SCRRA operating corridor and 16
right-of-way (ROW) or work activities that affect the operation or safety of trains must be reviewed and 17
approved by SCRRA through an ROW encroachment process (SCRRA Metrolink 2013). SCRRA 18
encroachment agreements require temporary traffic control plans for any traffic control affecting at-grade 19
crossings and disrupting normal operation of at-grade crossing protection. Temporary traffic control 20
plans shall meet Caltrans’ California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Southern California 21
Chapter of the American Public Works Associations’ Work Area Traffic Control Handbook, and SCRRA 22
Temporary Traffic Control Guidelines for Highway-Rail Grade Crossings and Engineering Standard 23
ES4301 “Temporary Traffic Control Work at or near Grade Crossing.” Traffic control plans are required 24
to be submitted to SCRRA for review and written approval prior to initiating any construction activity 25
(SCRRA Metrolink 2010). 26
27
Amtrak provides passenger rail service along the LOSSAN Corridor within the vicinity of the proposed 28
project area. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner provides an alternative to Metrolink for commuters traveling 29
between Los Angeles Union Station and downtown San Diego. The San Juan Capistrano and San 30
Clemente Pier stations are served by the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner (Amtrak 2014). 31
32
Transmission Line Segment 1a and 12-kilovolt (kV) Segment A would cross the LOSSAN Corridor 33
utilized by BNSF, Metrolink, and Amtrak both underground and overhead west of the proposed San Juan 34
Capistrano Substation and approximately 0.7 miles north of the San Juan Capistrano Station. The 35
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.15 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.15-7 DRAFT EIR
SCRRA Right of Way Encroachment Process addresses train performance during construction. SCRRA 1
confirmed that this type of construction work would not affect train service through the area. 2
Construction details and requirements for operating within the right-of-way will be outlined with the 3
applicant during the SCRRA Right of Way Encroachment Process. This type of construction will require 4
an SCRRA qualified railroad flagger to signal construction to stop when a train approaches the 5
construction area. Construction would be completed during the times that trains are not traveling through 6
the construction area (Patel 2016). 7
8
The San Clemente Station and the San Clemente Pier Station are located along the coast approximately 9
2.8 and 2.9 miles from Transmission Line Segment 3. 10
11
Air Transportation 12
No airports or airstrips, public or private, are located within 2 miles of components of the proposed 13
project. John Wayne Airport is located approximately 16 miles northwest of the existing Capistrano 14
Substation. Several federally operated runways are located at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp 15
Pendleton; the closest is located approximately 2.2 miles southeast of Talega Substation. The Marine 16
Corps Air Station (MCAS) Camp Pendleton Airport Influence Area (AIA)1 is located at the southern area 17
of the base and extends into San Diego County and the City of Oceanside and Fallbrook community. The 18
proposed project would not be located within the MCAS Camp Pendleton AIA. 19
20
As described in Chapter 2, “Project Description,” helicopters may be used instead of ground equipment 21
to complete transmission line structure assembly and erection, wire stringing, structure removal 22
activities, and transportation of crews and materials. The following airports may be used for helicopter 23
staging and landing zones for material pickup: 24
25
Oceanside Airport (approximately 26 miles southeast of Talega Substation); 26
Palomar Airport (approximately 32 miles southeast of Talega Substation); and 27
Gillespie Field Airport (approximately 55 miles southeast of Talega Substation). 28
29
Helicopter fly yard locations are described in Section 2.4.8, “Staging Areas, Stringing Sites, Work Areas, 30
and Helicopter Fly Yards.” 31
32
Pedestrian and Bicycle Trails 33
Several existing bikeways, pedestrian trails, and unpaved hiking/equestrian/mountain biking trails are 34
located within the proposed project area within the cities of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. 35
Existing pedestrian and bicycle trails within the proposed project area are described in Table 4.15-5. 36
37
1 The AIA is "the area in which current or future airport-related noise, overflight, safety, or airspace protection
factors may significantly affect land uses or necessitate restrictions on those uses” (San Diego County Airport
Land Use Commission 2008).
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.15 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.15-8 DRAFT EIR
Table 4.15-5 Existing Bikeways and Unpaved Trails within the Proposed Project Area
Bikeway/Trail Location Adjacent Project Component City of San Juan Capistrano
Class I Bikeway (off-road, paved) Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano Substation, Transmission
Line Segment 1a, 12-kV Segments A,B
Class II Bikeway (on-road, striped
lanes)
Class I Bikeway (off-road, paved) Rancho Viejo Road Transmission Line Segment 1b, 12-kV Segments
D, E
Class I Bikeway (off-road, paved) North and South of San Juan
Creek
Transmission Line Segment 1b
Belford Marabella Trail South of SR-74 and East of La
Novia Avenue
Transmission Line Segment 1b, 12-kV Segment F
East and West Hunt Club Trails North of SR-74
12-kV Segment F
East and West Hilltop Trails
Siega Trail
San Juan Creek Trail North side of San Juan Creek Transmission Line Segment 1b
Las Vaqueras Trail South side of San Juan Creek
Juliana Farms Trail East of San Juan Creek Road
La Mancha Trail East of San Juan Creek Road
City of San Clemente
Class II Bikeway (on-road, striped
lanes)
Avenida Vista Hermosa Transmission Line Segment 3
Class II Bikeway (on-road, striped
lanes)
Avenida La Pata
Class II Bikeway (on-road, striped
lanes)
Avenida Pico Transmission Line Segments 3 and 4, 12-kV M,
Talega Substation
Foster Ridgeline Trail West of Avenida La Pata Transmission Line Segment 3
Prima Deshecha North Trail East of Avenida La Pata
Prima Deshecha South Trail East of Avenida La Pata Transmission Line Segments 3 and 4, 12-kV M,
Talega Substation
Cristianitos South Trail East end of Avenida Pico Transmission Line Segment 4, 12-kV M, Talega
Substation
San Onofre State Beach Park
San Onofre State Beach Park Trail Western side of San Onofre State
Beach Park
Transmission Line Segments 3, 4
County of Orange
Class I Bikeway (off-road, paved) Parallel to SR-74 12-kV Segment F
Class II Bikeway (on-road, striped
lanes)
Intersection of SR-74 and La Pata
Avenue Key:
kV = kilovolt
SR-74 = State Route 74
Source: San Juan Capistrano Engineering and Building Department 2007; OCTA 2013b; City of San Clemente 2013; County of Orange 2005
1
The city of San Clemente’s Avenida Vista Hermosa, Avenida Pico, Avenida La Pata, Calle del Cerro, 2
and Avenida Vista Montana are designated as Connector Pedestrian Routes, and Calle Saluda is 3
designated as a Neighborhood Pedestrian Route. Connector Pedestrian Routes are sidewalks located 4
along roadways with moderate to high average vehicular traffic that support institutional, industrial, 5
and business complexes. Connector Pedestrian Routes usually have low pedestrian levels because of 6
the remote locations and the lack of nearby destinations or accessible land uses directly adjacent to the 7
sidewalks. Neighborhood Pedestrian Routes are sidewalks with low to moderate pedestrian levels 8
located along roadways that support low to moderate density housing (City of San Clemente 2013). 9
10
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.15 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.15-9 DRAFT EIR
In addition, several proposed unpaved hiking/equestrian/mountain biking trails are located within the 1
proposed project area within the city of San Juan Capistrano. Proposed trails include: the Caballo Trail, 2
La Novia Trail, and Golondrina Trail, Coyote Canyon Trail, Portola Pass Trail, Escuela Trail, and Prima 3
Deshecha Trail and extensions of the Belford Marabella and Whispering Hills Trail. The proposed trails 4
are adjacent to Transmission Line Segments 1b, 2, and 3 and 12-kV Segments E, F, and H through L. 5
Proposed bikeways are also located within the proposed project area within the City of San Clemente. 6
Proposed bikeways include a Class II bikeway as a northern extension to the existing Class II bikeway 7
along Avenida La Pata, a Class III Bikeway along Calle Saluda, and an upgrade of the existing Class II 8
bikeway on Avenida Vista Hermosa to a Class I bikeway. The proposed bikeways are adjacent to 9
Transmission Line Segment 3 (San Juan Capistrano Engineering and Building Department 2007; City of 10
San Clemente 2014). 11
12
4.15.2 Regulatory Setting 13
14
4.15.2.1 Federal 15
16
Federal Aviation Administration and Helicopter External-Load Operations 17
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administers the Federal Aviation Regulations (Title 14 of 18
the Code of Federal Regulations [CFR]). CFR Title 14, Part 133 establishes regulations for Rotorcraft 19
External-Load Operations. All operators of rotorcraft (helicopters) with external loads, including the 20
pilot, mechanics, and ground crew, must be certified Rotorcraft External-Load Operators pursuant to 14 21
CFR Part 133. The helicopters used must also be certified. Rotorcraft External-Load Operator 22
Certificates are valid for 24 months. Operators are permitted to conduct external-load operations over 23
densely populated areas or areas congested with structures and objects with FAA approval of a 24
Congested Area Plan. 25
26
For the proposed project, Congested Area Plans would be approved by the Long Beach Flight Standards 27
District Office. A portion of Transmission Line Segment 4 and Talega Substation are located within the 28
San Diego Flight Standards District Office jurisdiction. Coordination with the San Diego Flight 29
Standards District Office and MCB Camp Pendleton may be required, depending on the specific 30
locations of helicopter operations. Site inspections of Congested Area Plan operational areas, including 31
emergency landing areas, are generally completed by an FAA inspector for new plans or sites with which 32
the inspector is not familiar. Monitoring of Congested Area Plan operation by an FAA inspector occurs 33
intermittently to the extent that representatives are available and depending on risk levels associate with 34
the project (Peters 2012). 35
36
In addition, all helicopter external-load operations must be conducted in conformance with the Rotorcraft 37
Load Combination Flight Manual, which must be prepared by the operator and approved by the FAA. 38
The approved Flight Manual will specify the types of external loads that may be carried (Class A though 39
D), and maximum weight of external loads. The FAA requires that Flight Manual review be completed 40
by a qualified FAA Aviation Safety Inspector who, whenever possible, has experience as an external-41
load pilot. 42
43
Holders of Rotorcraft External-Load Operator Certificates are inspected two to three times per year 44
regardless of whether a Congested Area Plan is in operation. Additional inspections may be conducted if 45
a Congested Area Plan is involved (Peters 2012). FAA inspectors conduct Ramp Inspections and Base 46
Inspections as specified in 14 CFR Part 133. During Ramp Inspections, the attaching means and 47
retraining device for external loads and pilots and personnel approved to operate the attaching means are 48
inspected. Personnel proficiency with external-load operations may be observed. A ramp inspection is 49
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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generally an onsite surveillance of an actual external-load operation. During Base Inspections, operator 1
records are inspected and interviews may be conducted. 2
3
Occupational Health and Safety Administration 4
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) administers Occupational Safety and 5
Health Standards (CFR Title 29) that establish regulations for safety in the workplace and construction 6
safety. CFR Title 29, Parts 1910.183 and 1926.551 establish regulations for helicopter use during 7
construction. Qualified staff is required to brief the pilot and ground personnel regarding the plan of 8
operation prior to each day of helicopter operation. Cargo hooks used for securing helicopter external 9
loads must be tested electrically and mechanically prior to each day of operation. In addition, the 10
standards address weight limitations, static charge dissipation, and signal systems between air and ground 11
crews. 12
13
4.15.2.2 State 14
15
California Department of Transportation 16
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is responsible for the oversight of state 17
highways. Caltrans requires that all work done within a state highway ROW obtain an encroachment 18
permit. Encroachment permits must also be obtained for transmission lines that span or cross any state 19
roadways. In addition, Caltrans has the discretionary authority to issue special permits for the movement 20
of vehicles/loads exceeding statutory limitations on the size, weight, and loading of vehicles contained in 21
Division 15 of the California Vehicle Code. Completion of a Transportation Permit application is 22
required for requests for such special permits (Caltrans 2013). 23
24
4.15.2.3 Regional and Local 25
26
Orange County Transportation Authority Congestion Management Program 27
OCTA is the Congestion Management Agency for Orange County and is responsible for the 28
development, monitoring, and biennial updating of the Congestion Management Program (CMP). The 29
CMP addresses issues associated with increasing congestion on regional highways and arterials. The 30
2013 Orange County CMP has established LOS E as the minimum acceptable LOS for the highway and 31
roadway system designated by OCTA. SR-74 is part of the Orange County CMP network. If a roadway 32
within the CMP network operates below the LOS E standard, and is located outside of an Infill 33
Opportunity Zone,2 a deficiency plan is developed. 34
35
The Orange County CMP also provides guidance for Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA). A TIA is required 36
for all proposed development projects that generate 2,400 or more daily trips (OCTA 2013a). Based on 37
the estimated construction schedule, construction of the proposed project would generate a peak of 262 38
ADT; therefore, a TIA would not need to be prepared for the proposed project (LLG 2015a, b). 39
40
The Orange County CMP provides performance measures for bus and commuter rail service based on: 41
Vehicle headway – Vehicle headway is the time interval between vehicles. This standard allows 42
passengers to gauge how long they will have to wait for the next vehicle. Target vehicle 43
headways are 30 minutes for local bus routes and bus rapid transit limited and 60 minutes for 44
2 The Infill Opportunity Zone is a specific area designated by a city or county that is within one-half mile of a major
transit stop or high-quality transit corridor included in a regional transportation plan (California Government Code
Section 65088.1[e] ).
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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community bus routes. Express and rail feeder bus routes have a minimum target of two one-way 1
trips per peak weekday period. 2
Vehicle load – Vehicle load refers to the maximum number of passengers allowed on a service 3
vehicle. OCTA vehicle loads should not exceed 130 percent of seating capacity during any one-4
hour peak period on local fixed routes or 100 percent of seating on any express bus trip. 5
On-time performance – On-time performance is defined as no more than five minutes later than 6
the scheduled departure time. OCTA’s on-time performance standard at the system level is 7
defined as 85 percent of the actual departure times will meet the definition of “on time.” 8
Service accessibility – Service accessibility is defined as the percentage of population in 9
proximity to bus service. OCTA defines the service accessibility performance standard as 90 10
percent of the population having access to a bus route within a one-quarter mile, depending on 11
the type of service (OCTA 2013a). 12
13
Guidance for Administration of the Orange County Master Plan of Arterial Highways 14
OCTA is also the administrator of the Master Plan of Arterial Highways (MPAH). The MPAH is an 15
example of coordinated regional planning between the incorporated cities of Orange County and the 16
County of Orange. The goal of the MPAH is to ensure that the regional arterial highway network is 17
planned, developed, and preserved in order to supplement Orange County’s freeway system and serves 18
existing and adopted future land uses. The MPAH map is a key element in outlining Orange County’s 19
long-range transportation planning and policy objectives. Maintaining consistency with the MPAH map 20
enables jurisdictions to be eligible for certain funding streams. Consistency is defined as city and county 21
General Plan Circulation Elements maintaining an equivalent number of minimum through lanes on 22
MPAH arterial highways. The Guidance for Administration of the Orange County Master Plan of 23
Arterial Highways provides arterial highway MPAH capacity values. The capacity values are 24
approximate figures for use at the General Plan level. LOS C is used for planning the arterial system link 25
capacities with the intent of maintaining LOS D through intersections. A link is defined as the portion of 26
roadway between two arterial intersections (OCTA 2012). 27
28
Within the proposed project area, the 2014 MPAH map designates Junipero Serra Road, a portion of 29
Camino Capistrano, SR-74, La Novia Avenue, and Avenida La Pata (south of Avenida Pico) in the city 30
of San Juan Capistrano and Avenida Vista Hermosa in the city of San Clemente as primary arterial 31
highways. A primary arterial highway is defined as a four-lane divided highway accommodating 20,000 32
to 30,000 ADT using the LOS C capacity guideline. Avenida Pico and Avenida La Pata (north of 33
Avenida Pico) in the City of San Clemente is designated as a major arterial highway. A major arterial 34
highway is defined as a six-lane divided roadway accommodating 30,000 to 40,000 ADT using the LOS 35
C capacity guideline (OCTA 2014b). 36
37
County of Orange General Plan Transportation Element 38
The County of Orange General Plan Transportation Element (2005) establishes county goals, objectives, 39
policies, and implementation programs for transportation facility development within unincorporated 40
areas to accommodate the county’s growth. The County of Orange General Plan Transportation Element 41
outlines the following policies that are relevant to the proposed project (County of Orange 2005): 42
43
Circulation Plan 44
Policy 1.2: Apply conditions to land use development projects to ensure that the direct and 45
cumulative impacts of these projects are mitigated consistent with established level of service 46
policies. 47
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Policy 3.1: Maintain acceptable levels of service on arterial highways pursuant to the Growth 1
Management Element of the General Plan. 2
Policy 3.2: Ensure that all intersections within the unincorporated portion of Orange County 3
maintain a peak hour level of service "D", according to the County Growth Management Plan 4
Transportation Implementation Manual. 5
Policy 5.5: Require as conditions of approval that the necessary improvements to arterial highway 6
facilities, to which a project contributes measurable traffic, be constructed and completed within a 7
specified time period or ADT/peak hour milestone to attain a Level of Service "D" at the 8
intersections under the sole control of the County. LOS 'C' shall be maintained on Santiago Canyon 9
Road links until such time as uninterrupted segments of the roadway (i.e., no major intersections) are 10
reduced to less than three miles. For a detailed discussion of LOS policies, refer to Appendix IV-2 of 11
the General Plan Appendices. 12
13
The County of Orange Appendix IV-1 Growth Management Plan Transportation Implementation Manual 14
provides clarification on how Traffic Level of Service Policies of the Growth Management Element are 15
implemented on a project level. The Growth Management Plan Transportation Implementation Manual 16
provides acceptable traffic analysis methodologies, minimum requirements of Growth Management 17
traffic reports, and traffic monitoring surveys (County of Orange 2005). 18
19
The Growth Management Plan Transportation Implementation Manual defines the Traffic Level of 20
Service Policy as follows: 21
22
Within three years of the issuance of the first use and occupancy permit for a development project or 23
within five years of the issuance of a finished grading permit or building permit for said project, 24
whichever occurs first, all necessary improvements to the highway system within the County's 25
jurisdiction to which the project contributes measurable traffic shall be constructed and completed 26
to attain Level of Service (LOS) "D" or better. LOS "C" shall be maintained on all uninterrupted 27
links of three miles in length or more on Santiago Canyon Road until such time as uninterrupted 28
segments (i.e. between major signalized intersections) are reduced to less than three miles (County 29
of Orange 2005). 30
31
City of San Juan Capistrano General Plan Circulation Element 32
Acceptable roadway service levels are identified in the City of San Juan Capistrano’s General Plan 33
Circulation Element. The Circulation Element also contains policies to improve the overall circulation 34
with the City. The City of San Juan Capistrano’s General Plan Circulation Element (1999) outlines the 35
following policies that are relevant to the proposed project: 36
37
Policy 2.1: Encourage the increased use and expansion of public transportation opportunities. 38
Policy 3.1: Provide and maintain an extensive trails network that supports bicycles, pedestrians, and 39
horses, and is coordinated with those networks of adjacent jurisdictions. 40
Policy 4.4: Apply creative traffic management approaches to address congestion in areas with 41
unique problems, such as schools, businesses with drive-through access, and other special situations. 42
43
The Circulation Element also outlines the performance criteria to assess the adequacy of the circulation 44
system. Peak hour intersection data are used to establish the performance criteria for evaluation of 45
volumes and capacities on the City’s street network. In general, the City of San Juan Capistrano General 46
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Plan specifies that the intersection LOS A though D are acceptable, but LOS E and F are not adequate 1
unless exempted (City of San Juan Capistrano 1999; LLG 2015a, b). 2
3
City-designated “Hot Spots” are locations that experience unique congestion. The “Hot Spot” 4
designations imply certain exceptions to the standard performance criteria and/or require a different 5
traffic analysis. The City of San Juan Capistrano defines “Hot Spot” designations in three categories. 6
7
School Hot Spot: Location where the normal operation of an arterial highway would be affected 8
by the presence of a school. School Hot Spots require traffic impact studies to address specific 9
traffic impacts at the affected locations. 10
Operations Hot Spot: Sections of roadway where closely spaced intersections or side friction 11
caused by numerous driveways degrades the performance of the roadway compared to its 12
theoretical carrying capacity. The Operations Hot Spots are locations where the standard ICU 13
[Intersection Capacity Utilization] procedure does not fully depict the actual traffic 14
characteristics. As a result, areas designated as Operations Hot Spots require a special traffic 15
operations analysis in addition to the ICU analysis. The maximum volume-to-capacity (V/C) 16
ratio is 1.00 for Operations Hot Spots. 17
Space Constrained Hot Spot: Intersections or sections of roadway that cannot be improved to 18
their full standard due to limited space (right-of-way, or other constraints). The City sets a 19
maximum ICU ratio of 1.00 for Spaced Constrained Hot Spots (City of San Juan Capistrano 20
1999). 21
22
School Hot Spots and Operations Hot Spots are located in the proposed project area. School Hot Spots 23
are located on San Juan Creek Road east of the La Novia Avenue intersection, La Novia Avenue between 24
SR-74 and Calle Arroyo, Camino Capistrano north of the SR-74 intersection, and Oso Road west of 25
Avenida De La Vista. Operations Hot Spots are located along SR-74 at the intersection of I-5 and Del 26
Obispo at the intersection of Camino Capistrano (City of San Juan Capistrano 1999). 27
28
City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan Mobility and Complete Streets Element 29
The City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan Mobility and Complete Streets Element (2014) 30
focuses on promoting multimodal transportation and a Complete Streets perspective. The Mobility and 31
Complete Streets Element outlines the following policies that are relevant to the proposed project (City 32
of San Clemente 2014a): 33
34
Policy M-1.01. Roadway system. We require the City’s roadways to: 35
c. Comply with OCTA requirements for arterial highways as determined through the MPAH and 36
Measure M. Maintain at least a Level of Service (LOS) D or better at all intersections, except where 37
flexibility is warranted based on a multi-modal LOS evaluation, or where LOS E is deemed 38
appropriate to accommodate complete streets facilities. 39
M-1.04. Level of Service. When the City determines there is a suitable tool available, we will 40
measure and evaluate roadway performance from a multimodal, Complete Streets perspective. 41
M-1.05. Development Project Impacts. We require development projects to analyze potential off-site 42
traffic impacts and related environmental impacts through the CEQA process and to mitigate 43
adverse impacts to less-than-significant levels. 44
M-1.18. Streetscapes and Major Roadways. During the design, construction or significant 45
modification of major roadways, we will promote scenic parkways or corridors to improve City’s 46
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visual quality and character, enhance adjacent uses, and integrate roadways with surrounding 1
districts. To accomplish this, the City will: 2
e. Encourage and where possible, require undergrounding or stealthing of overhead utility lines and 3
equipment, cellular facilities and related groundmounted structures. 4
M-1.25. Regional Access to Arterial Streets. New development contributing traffic to City Arterials, 5
including development projects outside the City including, but not limited to, Rancho Mission Viejo 6
shall be required to mitigate all traffic impacts to be consistent with adopted LOS standards 7
contained in the City’s Mobility and Complete Streets Element. 8
M-1.26. Major and Minor Scenic Corridors. We require the following roadways be maintained and 9
preserved as major or minor scenic corridors with key entry points: 10
a. Avenida Vista Hermosa 11
b. Avenida La Pata 12
c. Avenida Pico 13
j. Calle del Cerro 14
k. Avenida Vista Montana 15
M-1.28. Urban and Recreation Corridor designations. We seek to create and distinguish different 16
roadway characteristics for Urban and Recreation corridors throughout the City. Distinctions 17
between urban and recreation corridors will be included in the updated Master Plan for Scenic 18
Corridors, and will establish a scenic hierarchy and an overall visual framework for the City. 19
M-1.29. New Scenic Corridors or Highways. Expand or designate new scenic highways where 20
protection of community resources warrants their preservation and/or protection. 21
M-1.30. Protection of Scenic Corridors. We ensure that development is sited and designed to protect 22
scenic corridors and open space/landscape areas by blending man-made and man-introduced 23
features with the natural environment. 24
M-2.13. Bicycle and Pedestrian Network. We plan, develop and maintain a comprehensive bicycle 25
and pedestrian network as specified in the San Clemente Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. 26
M-2.14. Bicycle Friendly Streets. We consider every public street in San Clemente as a street that 27
cyclists could use. 28
M-2.16. Roadway Performance Evaluation. We shall evaluate roadway level of performance from a 29
multi-modal, Complete Streets perspective. 30
M-2.39. Roadway Repairs. When roadway repairs are done by the City or other agencies, such as 31
utility companies, the roadway shall be restored in accordance with City standards, with restriping 32
suitable for bicycle use, as appropriate. 33
M-2.42. Consistency with Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. We review all new capital 34
improvement projects and private development projects to ensure consistency with the Bicycle and 35
Pedestrian Master Plan and with the Mobility and Complete Streets Element. 36
M-5.01. Truck and Freight Movements. We will continue to implement a program which allows 37
efficient freight movement while minimizing negative impacts on local roads and noise-sensitive land 38
uses by identifying and implementing vehicle weight restrictions on designated streets. 39
40
Chapter 10.36, Weight Limits and Truck Routes, of the City of San Clemente Code of Ordinances 41
provides more detail regarding the City’s truck routes. Ordinance 10.36.010 Truck Routes also proclaims 42
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that the provisions in the Ordinance shall not apply to: “any vehicle owned by a public utility while 1
necessarily in use in the construction, installation or repair of any public utility” (City of San Clemente 2
2014b). 3
4
Avenida Vista Hermosa, Avenida La Pata, Avenida Pico, Calle del Cerro, and Avenida Vista Montana 5
are designated as Scenic Corridors in the City of San Clemente Mobility and Complete Streets Element. 6
For more information on scenic corridors in the proposed project area, see Section 4.1, “Aesthetics” of 7
this Environmental Impact Report and the City of San Clemente Centennial General Plan (City of San 8
Clemente 2014a). 9
10
4.15.3 Impact Analysis 11
12
4.15.3.1 Methodology and Significance Criteria 13
14
Significance criteria for assessing the proposed project’s impacts on transportation and traffic were 15
defined based on the checklist items presented in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. The proposed 16
project would cause a significant impact on transportation and traffic if it would: 17
18
a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance, or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for 19
the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation 20
including mass transit and non-motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation 21
system including, but not limited, to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and 22
bicycle paths, and mass transit; 23
b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management program including, but not limited to, LOS 24
standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion 25
management agency for designated roads or highways; 26
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change 27
in location that results in substantial safety risks; 28
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous 29
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment); 30
e) Result in inadequate emergency access; or 31
f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian 32
facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities. 33
34
The following sections discuss the methodology used to assess traffic conditions, thresholds of 35
significance, and the potential for associated impacts. 36
37
Traffic Study Methodology 38
The traffic generated from the construction of the proposed project would increase the volume of traffic 39
on area roadways. To assess impacts associated with this additional traffic, Linscott Law and Greenspan 40
Engineers (LLG) assessed traffic volumes on area roadways in Year 2015 and Year 2015, plus proposed 41
project traffic volumes (Year 2020). 42
43
Project Trip Generation/Distribution 44
The construction phase of the proposed project would generate a peak of 41 cars/vans/pickup roundtrips 45
and 30 truck round trips per day based on the estimated construction workforce and schedule prepared by 46
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the San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E, or the applicant) (SDG&E 2012). These amounts 1
represent where different phases of construction overlap with respect to location and construction 2
schedule. These roundtrips were multiplied by two to account for one-way incoming and one-way 3
outgoing trips. 4
5
A Passenger Car Equivalent (PCE) factor was applied to the generated truck trips in the analysis. PCE is 6
defined as the number of passenger cars that are displaced by a single heavy vehicle of a particular type 7
under the prevailing conditions. Heavy vehicles have a greater traffic impacts than passenger cars 8
because they are larger than passenger cars and therefore occupy more roadway space, and because their 9
performance characteristics are generally inferior to those of passenger cars, leading to the formation of 10
downstream gaps in the traffic stream (especially on upgrades), which cannot always be effectively filled 11
by normal passing maneuvers. A PCE of 3.0 was applied to trucks. 12
13
With the application of the PCE, the worst case construction trip generation is 262 ADT.3 For the 14
purposes of LLG’s traffic study, to represent the worst-case scenario, the 262 ADT was distributed to the 15
local roadways affected by the proposed project. 16
17
Roadway Segment LOS Analysis 18
The most recent available existing ADT volumes for the local arterial roadway segments affected by the 19
proposed project (except Golf Club Drive, which is not anticipated to receive a large amount of 20
construction-generated traffic) were obtained from the following documents (LLG 2015a, b): 21
22
South Orange County Reliability Enhancement Project Proponent’s Environmental Assessment 23
Report (May 2012); 24
The Ranch Plan Environmental Impact Report Traffic Report (May 2004); 25
Orange County Transportation Authority 2013/14 Traffic Flow Map; 26
City of San Juan Capistrano Volumes Map (Public Works Department, 2012); 27
City of San Clemente 2010 General Plan Update; and 28
2013 Traffic Volumes on California State Highways (Caltrans). 29
30
Traffic data are available for arterial roads but not for collector roads. Collector roads are not regularly 31
used for through traffic, and as a result, traffic is generally low. ADT volumes were also obtained 32
through traffic counts for roadways that would experience partial or full closure during construction of 33
the proposed project. 34
35
Roadway segment LOS analysis was conducted for the local roadway network to evaluate potential 36
traffic impacts on the local roadway system from traffic generated during construction of the proposed 37
project. Due to the temporary nature of construction, conducting daily roadway segment LOS analysis is 38
sufficient methodology. Therefore, a peak hour intersection analysis was not performed for the proposed 39
project. 40
41
3 262 ADT = 2 one-way trips x [(41 car/van/pickup trips x 1.0 PCE) + (30 truck trips x 3.0 PCE)]
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4.15.3.2 Applicant Proposed Measures 1
2
The applicant has committed to the following applicant proposed measures (APMs) as part of the design 3
of the proposed project. See Section 2.6.2, “Applicant Proposed Measures,” Table 2-10, for a full 4
description of each APM. 5
6
APM TR-1: Avoid Traffic Near Schools. Construction-generated traffic associated with San Juan 7
Capistrano Substation and construction of the 138-kV getaways (new underground cable packages 8
and new Pole Nos. 1a through 7a) would avoid the start and ending time for the Saddleback Valley 9
Christian School and the JSerra Catholic High School. Workers would arrive at construction sites by 10
7:30 AM and would not leave prior to 3:30 PM. 11
APM TR-2: Avoid SR-74 Traffic. Construction-generated traffic associated with San Juan 12
Capistrano Substation and construction of the 138-kV getaways (new underground cable packages 13
and new pole Nos. 1a through 7a) would avoid the SR-74 off ramp from I-5. Avoidance of the SR-74 14
and I-5 interchange would ensure that construction-generated traffic would not exacerbate existing 15
conditions on the stretch of road between the intersections of SR-74 and Rancho Viejo Road and SR-16
74 and Del Obispo. 17
APM TR-3: Emergency Access. SDG&E would coordinate with local emergency response agencies 18
during all construction within existing roadways. Coordination with local emergency response 19
agencies (such as Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Orange County Fire Authority) would 20
ensure that impacts on emergency access are less than significant. 21
APM TR-4: Off-Peak Deliveries. Deliveries would be scheduled during off-peak traffic periods to 22
reduce trips during the most congested periods of the day. 23
APM TR-5: Material Removal, City Streets. For any underground work along city streets, 24
materials would be removed from work areas on a daily basis to minimize traffic impacts. 25
APM TR-6: Helicopter Use. When helicopters are in use for construction activities, designated fly 26
yards would be kept clear of all other construction activity. If helicopters are used during 27
construction of the proposed project, existing helicopter landing areas would be used wherever 28
feasible. Helicopter landing areas along the existing ROW would be located away from residences 29
and other land uses (generally at least one mile from sensitive noise receptors). 30
APM TR-7: Traffic Control Plans. Contractors working for SDG&E would develop specific 31
traffic control plans immediately prior to the start of construction that adhere to the Standard Traffic 32
Control Procedure from the authority having jurisdiction (federal, state, county, city, or municipality) 33
of the roadway being impacted. The traffic control plans would be created for the various 34
construction phases of San Juan Capistrano Substation, underground transmission and underground 35
distribution segments leaving San Juan Capistrano Substation, and overhead transmission. 36
The approved traffic control plans would describe lane closures and other methods for reducing 37
adverse construction-related traffic impacts and require SDG&E to coordinate in advance with 38
emergency service providers to avoid restricting movements of emergency vehicles, to ensure that 39
emergency vehicle access is maintained and that impacts on traffic flow are minimized. 40
All traffic control plans would be developed, reviewed, and approved by the authority having 41
jurisdiction of the specific roadway being impacted. The traffic control plans would include 42
vehicular and non-vehicular traffic and would be communicated to the public at least 48 hours in 43
advance of the traffic control measures being installed in the roadway or as required by the traffic 44
control permit. 45
46
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4.15.3.3 Impact Analysis 1
2
Impact TT-1: Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance, or policy establishing measures 3
of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into 4
account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non-5
motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system 6
including, but not limited to, intersections, streets, highways and freeways, 7
pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit. 8
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION 9
10
Construction and Restoration 11
Roadways 12
During construction of the proposed project, partial or full road closures would occur on the following 13
roadways: 14
15
Camino Capistrano (Partial or full closure); 16
Vista Montana (Partial closure); 17
Via Pamplona (Partial or full closure); and 18
Calle San Diego (Partial or full closure). 19
20
Two of the four lanes on Vista Montana would be closed to traffic. For Camino Capistrano, Via 21
Pamplona, and Calle San Diego, there are no further details on the number of lanes that would be closed 22
for construction. For the purposes of this analysis, partial closures were assumed to remove half the 23
capacity of the roadway.For Vista Montana and Via Pamplona, no more than half of the roadway would 24
be closed to traffic at a time. Lane closures on Vista Montana and Via Pamplona would be required for 25
no longer than five days at each location. Since Calle San Diego is a two-lane roadway and full closure is 26
not required, partial closure was assumed to be half the capacity of the roadway. 27
28
Table 4.15-6 shows the Year 2015 daily roadway segment operations for arterials and the Year 2015 29
daily roadway segment operations with the proposed project construction traffic. 30
31
Table 4.15-6 Year 2015 Roadway Segment Operations
Roadway
Existing Capacity (LOS E)1
Year 2015 Year 2015 + Project
Existing ADT V/C
Existing LOS ADT V/C
Existing LOS
Junipero Serra Road 25,000 14,700 0.588 A 14,962 0.598 A
Camino Capistrano (North of
SR-74)
18,750 15,200 0.811 D 15,462 1.2370.825 FD
Camino Capistrano (South
of SR-74)
25,000 18,900 0.756 C 19,162 1.5330.766 FC
Rancho Viejo Road 25,000 14,100 0.564 A 14,362 0.574 A
Calle Arroyo 25,000 7,800 0.312 A 8,062 0.322 A
San Juan Creek Road 12,500 11,500 0.920 E 11,762 0.941 E
La Novia Avenue 12,500 14,000 1.120 F 14,262 1.141 F
Via Pomplana 12,5003 700 0.056 A 962 0.154 A
Vista Montana 37,5003 6,700 0.179 A 6,962 0.557 A
Calle San Diego 12,5003 800 0.064 A 1,062 0.170 A
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Table 4.15-6 Year 2015 Roadway Segment Operations
Roadway
Existing Capacity (LOS E)1
Year 2015 Year 2015 + Project
Existing ADT V/C
Existing LOS ADT V/C
Existing LOS
La Pata Avenue 12,500 5,300 0.424 A 5,562 0.445 A
Avenida la Pata (North of
Avenida Pico)
56,300 6,600 0.117 A 6,862 0.122 A
Avenida la Pata (South of
Avenida Pico)
37,500 9,900 0.264 A 10,162 0.271 A
Avenida Vista Hermosa 37,500 31,900 0.851 D 32,162 0.858 D
Calle Del Cerro 12,500 15,400 1.232 F 15,662 1.253 F
Avenida Vista Montana 12,200 6,600 0.528 A 6,862 0.549 A
Avenida Pico (West of
Avenida La Pata)
56,300 51,700 0.918 E 51,962 0.923 E
Avenida Pico (East of
Avenida La Pata)
56,300 15,400 0.274 A 15,662 0.278 A
Calle Saluda 12,500 4,300 0.344 A 4,562 0.365 A
SR-74 (West of La Novia
Avenue)
25,000 46,700 1.868 F 46,962 1.878 F
SR-74 (East of La Novia
Avenue)
25,000 46,700 1.868 F 46,962 1.878 F
I-5 (North of SR- 74) 180,0002 269,200 1.496 F 269,462 1.497 F
I-5 (South of SR- 74) 180,0002 297,700 1.654 F 297,962 1.655 F
Source: LLG 2015a, b
Key:
ADT = Average Daily Traffic
LOS = level of service
SR-74 = State Route 74
V/C = volume-to-capacity
Notes: 1 Capacities based on Orange County Highway Design Manual Roadway Classification Table. 2 Capacities based on City of San Diego Roadway Classification Table. 3 During construction, partial or full closure of this roadway is required, which would lower the roadway capacity. As confirmed by SDG&E,
the capacity of the roadway would be reduced by no more than half during construction. For the purposes of this analysis, the capacity was
reduced by half. 1
As shown in Table 4.15-6, with the addition of the proposed project traffic, there is no change in the 2
daily roadway segment operations LOS in the Year 2015 scenario, with the exception of Camino 3
Capistrano. Due to proposed lane closures during construction, construction traffic would degrade 4
roadway segment operations on Camino Capistrano to an unacceptable LOS of F. The City of San Juan 5
Capistrano General Plan Circulation Element specifies that an intersection with LOS A though D is 6
acceptable, but LOS E and F are not adequate. Intersection LOS is directly affected by roadway segment 7
operations. 8
9
Partial lane closures along Via Pamplona and Calle San Diego would not significantly degrade roadway 10
segment operations. However, full road closures of Camino Capistrano, Via Pamplona, and Calle San 11
Diego would significantly impact roadway segment operations. To address this, tThe applicant would 12
implement APM TR-1, APM TR-2, APM TR-4, and APM TR-7, which would require the applicant to 13
avoid generating traffic near Saddleback Valley Christian School, JSerra Catholic High School, the SR-14
74 off-ramp from I-5, and during peak traffic hours, as well as prepare a Traffic Control Plan. Per CEQA, 15
since there is no degradation in the study roadway segment operations LOS to an unacceptable LOS with 16
the addition of project traffic and the reduction in roadway capacity, no significant impacts occur at Via 17
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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Pamplona and Calle San Diego. In addition, the short duration of the lane closures is further evidence 1
that the impact would not rise to a significant level. However, flagging operations associated with the 2
partial road closures of Via Pamplona and Calle San Diego could result in long traffic delays throughout 3
the duration of the flagging operations, but would not create a significant impact on LOS. In addition, 4
traffic delays as a result of flagging operations would be minimized to the extent possible through the 5
implementation of APM TR-7. ; however, impacts would remain significant. Mitigation Measure (MM) 6
TR-1 would require the applicant to provide notification to drivers and nearby residents of upcoming lane 7
and road closures. Implementation of MM TR-1 would reduce the impact from partial and full lane 8
closures, but impacts from full road closures would remain significant. 9
10
Additionally, the City of San Juan Capistrano General Plan Circulation Element designates “Hot Spot” 11
locations that experience unique congestion. Hot Spots are described in Section 4.15.2.2. “Hot Spot” 12
designations imply certain exceptions to the standard performance criteria and/or require a different 13
traffic analysis. LLG’s LOS segment analysis evaluated traffic impacts at School Hot Spots and 14
Operation Hot Spots in the proposed project area. Therefore, LLG’s LOS segment analysis (Appendix I) 15
satisfies the City of San Juan Capistrano General Plan requirement that a traffic analysis be completed 16
for designated Hot Spot areas. A peak-hour intersection analysis was conducted for the four intersections 17
along Vista Montana to satisfy the City of San Juan Capistrano General Plan requirement that traffic 18
analysis be completed for designated Hot Spot areas. The intersections include: 19
20
1. Vista Montana / Via Pamplona 21
2. Vista Montana / San Juan Hills High School Driveway 22
3. Vista Montana / Via Granada 23
4. Vista Montana / La Pata Avenue 24
25
Table 4.15-7 shows the near-term cumulative (Year 2020) intersection operations along Vista Montana. 26
Peak hour intersection turning movement traffic counts were conducted in May 2015 when school was in 27
session. The peak hour counts were conducted between the hours of 6:00 to 8:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 28
PM. (LLG 2015b, Appendix Q). An overall 10 percent growth was observed between the existing and 29
near-term cumulative (Year 2020) study segment volumes. This growth factor was applied to the existing 30
intersection volumes to forecast near-term cumulative (Year 2020) intersection volumes. The project is 31
estimated to generate 262 daily trips (2 x 131 one-way trips). For the purposes of this study, to represent 32
the worst-case scenario, 131 incoming trips were distributed to Vista Montana during the school AM 33
peak hour and 131 outgoing trips were distributed to Vista Montana during the school PM peak hour. 34
35
SDG&E provided draft detailed traffic control plans for the seven phases of construction along Vista 36
Montana. For the analysis of the near-term cumulative (Year 2020) with project scenario, the lane 37
geometry for Phase 2 was assumed since it represented the worst-case scenario with the most lane 38
closures and movement restrictions at the intersections along Vista Montana. The lane closures and 39
restrictions for each intersection during Phase 2 are described in Appendix Q. 40
41
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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Table 4.15-7 Near-Term Cumulative (Year 2020) Intersection Operations
Intersection Control
Type Peak Hour
Existing
Near-Term Cumulative (Year
2020) without Project
Near-Term Cumulative (Year 2020) with Project
Delaya LOS Delaya LOS Delaya LOS
Vista Montana / Via Pamplona OWSC AM 19.6 C 24.1 C 20.8 C
PM 17.6 C 20.4 C 23.7 C
Vista Montana / San Juan
Hills High School Driveway OWSC
AM 67.4 F 91.8 F 43.5 b Eb
PM >100 F >100 F 26.8 b Db
Vista Montana / Via Granada OWSC AM 11.8 B 12.3 B 71.6 F
PM 15.3 C 17.9 C 52.9 F
Vista Montana / La Pata
Avenue Signal
AM >100 F >100 F >100 F
PM 19.2 B 21.7 C 21.7 C
Source: LLG 2015b
Key:
OWSC = Two-Way Stop Controlled intersection
LOS = Level of Service
Notes:
a. Average delay expressed in seconds per vehicle.
b. The prohibition of left turns at this intersection during construction causes a significant amount of out-of-direction travel at this
intersection, which is not reflected in the delay and LOS.
1
The proposed project would result in the following Vista Montana intersections operating at an 2
unacceptable LOS: 3
4
Vista Montana / Via Granada 5
Vista Montana / La Pata Avenue 6
Vista Montana / San Juan Hills High School Driveway 7
8
Impacts along Vista Montana would be mitigated to less than significant with the implementation of MM 9
TR-5 which would require the applicant to schedule road closures along Vista Montana on days that San 10
Juan Hills High School is not in session and require construction workers to avoid traveling along Vista 11
Montana during the periods of 6:00 to 8:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM on days that San Juan Hills High 12
School is in session. Implementation of MM TR-5 would reduce impacts on the LOS of Vista Montana to 13
less than significant. 14
15
Bicycle and Pedestrian Paths 16
The County of Orange General Plan Transportation Element has a series of policies that support the 17
County’s Bikeway Plan. The City of San Juan Capistrano’s General Plan includes several policies 18
focused on promoting an advanced transportation network and providing an extensive bicycle, 19
pedestrian, and equestrian trails network. Similarly, the City of San Clemente Mobility and Complete 20
Streets Element and Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan also include policies encouraging multi-modal 21
transportation options, including a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian network. The City of San 22
Clemente Mobility and Complete Streets Element includes Policy M-2.16 Roadway Performance 23
Evaluation, which states that the roadway level of performance shall be evaluated from a multi-modal, 24
Complete Streets perspective. However, a Multi-Modal LOS or other metric has not been validated or 25
adopted to evaluate multi-modal facilities performance; thus, a qualitative or quantitative assessment of 26
impacts on these facilities is not possible. In general, the proposed project would not conflict with 27
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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policies governing transit, pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian facilities. While construction of certain 1
proposed project components would affect bikeways and pedestrian trail infrastructure (see discussion 2
under Impact TT-6), any impact on these facilities would be short term and would have a less than 3
significant conflict with applicable plans, ordinances, or policies. 4
5
Transit 6
As Orange County’s transit provider, OCTA provides CMP performance measures for bus and commuter 7
rail service. OCTA’s Performance Standards and Policies include standards for vehicle headway, vehicle 8
load, on-time performance, and service accessibility. The proposed project is located in the vicinity of 9
several bus routes. A bus stop serving Route 91 is located in front of Capistrano Substation on Camino 10
Capistrano just north of Calle Bonita. However, during construction of the proposed project, any full or 11
partial road closures on Camino Capistrano would be coordinated under the Traffic Control Plan (APM 12
TR-7), and Route 91 and 191 buses would be rerouted temporarily if needed. Therefore, any impacts on 13
CMP performance measures for buses such as vehicle headway and on-time performance would be less 14
than significant and temporary. 15
16
Metrolink and Amtrak have trains that travel through the LOSSAN Corridor within the vicinity of the 17
proposed project area. Transmission Line Segment 1a and 12-kV Segment A would cross the railroad 18
tracks utilized by BNSF, Metrolink, and Amtrak both underground and overhead west of the proposed 19
San Juan Capistrano Substation and approximately 0.7 miles north of San Juan Capistrano Station. All 20
construction activities within the SCRRA operating corridor and ROW or work activities that affect the 21
operation or safety of trains must be reviewed and approved by SCRRA through an ROW encroachment 22
process. As part of the ROW encroachment process, SCRRA reviews the encroachment application and 23
plans for compliance with technical and safety regulations and any issue determined to impact safety or 24
railroad operations. Therefore, obtaining SCRRA approval for construction within the SCRRA operating 25
corridor and ROW would ensure that construction of Transmission Line Segment 1a over the railway and 26
under the railway via jack and bore trenching would have a less than significant impact on OCTA CMP 27
performance measures for commuter rail service. 28
29
Operation and Maintenance 30
Operation and maintenance activities associated with the proposed project would be similar to those 31
associated with the existing substations, transmission, and distribution lines operation and maintenance 32
activities. Therefore, operation and maintenance of the proposed project would have no impact on 33
applicable plans, ordinances, and policies associated with the performance of the circulation system. 34
35
Impact TT-2: Conflict with an applicable congestion management program including, but 36
not limited to, LOS standards and travel demand measures, or other 37
standards established by the county congestion management agency for 38
designated roads or highways. 39
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT 40
41
The 2013 CMP for Orange County addresses the impact of local growth and issues associated with 42
increasing congestion on the regional transportation system by establishing the minimum acceptable 43
LOS. Highway system intersections must maintain an LOS of E or better, unless the baseline is lower 44
than LOS E. If the baseline is lower than LOS E, then the intersection capacity utilization rating cannot 45
increase by more than 0.10. SR-74 is part of the Orange County CMP network, and the I-5 Northbound 46
and Southbound junctions with SR-74 are CMP Highway System intersections. SR-74 operates at LOS F, 47
and the I-5 North and South of SR-74 operates at LOS F in the Year 2015 with and without the proposed 48
project traffic scenarios, as shown in Table 4.15-5. During construction of the proposed project, 262 49
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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ADT is anticipated. As a result, the proposed project would not increase the intersection capacity rating 1
by more than 0.10 and is exempt from the requirements of the CMP TIA because the proposed project 2
would generate less than 2,400 daily trips. 3
4
In addition to the development and implementation of the Traffic Control Plan (APM TR-7), the 5
applicant would avoid generating traffic on the SR-74 off-ramp from I-5 (APM TR-2) and would only 6
accept deliveries during off-peak hours (APM TR-4) to ensure that conflicts with congestion 7
management programs and standards are avoided. The construction and restoration of the proposed 8
project would not conflict with the Orange County CMP; therefore, impacts under this criterion would be 9
less than significant. 10
11
Operation and maintenance activities associated with the proposed project would be similar to those 12
associated with the existing substations, transmission, and distribution lines operation and maintenance 13
activities. Therefore, operation and maintenance of the proposed project would have no impact on 14
Orange County CMP. 15
16
Impact TT-3: Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in 17
traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks. 18
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION 19
20
No airports or airstrips, public or private, are located within 2 miles of components of the proposed 21
project. John Wayne Airport is located approximately 16 miles northwest of the existing Capistrano 22
Substation site. Several federally operated runways are located at MCB Camp Pendleton; the closest is 23
located approximately 2.6 miles southeast of Talega Substation. 24
25
Helicopters may be used instead of ground equipment to complete transmission line structure assembly 26
and erection, wire stringing, structure removal activities, and transportation of crews and materials. 27
Airports that would be used for helicopter staging and landing zones for material pickup may include: 28
29
Oceanside Airport (approximately 26 miles southeast of Talega Substation); 30
Palomar Airport (approximately 32 miles southeast of Talega Substation); and 31
Gillespie Field Airport (approximately 55 miles southeast of Talega Substation). 32
33
The applicant has identified the following four fly yards: 34
35
Staging area at Prima Deschecha Landfill (Staging Area 2); 36
Storage area immediately south of Margarita Substation; 37
Storage area immediately west of Rancho Mission Viejo Substation; and 38
Open space north of Talega Substation, where Avenida Pico becomes Cristianitos Road (Staging 39
Area 5). 40
41
Helicopters may also land or refuel at Staging Areas 1 through 3 (see Figure 2-1 and Table 2-11), at any 42
of the proposed pole work areas that would require helicopters for pole removal or installation, or at the 43
applicant’s substation sites identified in Section 2.4.8.1, “Staging Areas at the Applicant’s Substation 44
Sites.” APM TR-6 states that the applicant would keep designated fly yards clear of all construction 45
activity when helicopters are in use, and existing helicopter landing areas would be used wherever 46
feasible. APM TR-6 also specifies that helicopter landing areas along the existing ROW would be 47
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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located away from residences and other land uses. If helicopters are used during construction, they would 1
be used in accordance with SDG&E’s specifications, which are similar to the methods detailed in 2
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers 951-1996 standard, Guide to the Assembly and Erection 3
of Metal Transmission Structures, Section 9, Helicopter Methods of Construction. 4
5
SDG&E would submit a Congested Area Plan to FAA Long Beach Flight Standards District Office based 6
on final helicopter operation 30 to 60 days prior to start of construction for helicopter external-load 7
operations over populated areas or areas congested with structures or objects. A portion of Transmission 8
Line Segment 4 and Talega Substation are located within the San Diego Flight Standards District Office 9
jurisdiction. Coordination with the San Diego Flight Standards District Office and MCB Camp Pendleton 10
may be required depending on the specific locations of helicopter operations. The FAA requires that all 11
pilots, and crewmembers, and helicopters involved with external-load operations (e.g., lattice steel tower 12
erection and wire stringing) be certified pursuant to 14 CFR 133 (External-Load Operations). Pursuant to 13
FAA and OSHA requirements, briefings must be completed prior to each day of helicopter operation 14
regarding the plan of operation for the pilot and all ground personnel. Additionally, cargo hooks used for 15
securing helicopter external loads must be tested electrically and mechanically prior to each day of 16
operation. Accidents and incidents associated with helicopter use must be reported immediately to the 17
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). 18
19
Although SDG&E would operate and use helicopters for construction of the proposed project according 20
to internal standards based on Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standard 951-1996, and 21
the FAA would certify and inspect all pilots, mechanics, crewmembers, and helicopters, accidents or 22
incidents at job sites could still occur. MM TR-2 and MM TR-3 would ensure that workers involved in 23
construction activities that receive loads from helicopters or assist with loading helicopters are routinely 24
trained to identify potentially unsafe conditions associated with helicopter external load size, attachment 25
means, or loading/unloading methods. With implementation of APM TR-6, MM TR-2, and MM TR-3, 26
impacts under this criterion during construction and restoration would be less than significant. 27
28
Operation and maintenance activities associated with the proposed project would be similar to those 29
associated with the existing substations, transmission, and distribution lines operation and maintenance 30
activities. Therefore, operation and maintenance of the proposed project would have no impact on air 31
traffic. 32
33
Impact TT-4: Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or 34
dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment). 35
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION 36
37
The proposed project would not require the construction of publicly accessible roads that would present a 38
substantially hazardous design feature such as sharp curves or dangerous intersections. In addition, the 39
proposed project would not introduce incompatible uses to area roadways (e.g., farm equipment). As 40
described in Section 2.4.5.1, “Access Road Construction,” SDG&E equipment and vehicles would use 41
existing access roads to access the existing and proposed transmission line structures. Less than 0.5 mile 42
of new access road/spur road segments would be constructed, and approximately 2.5 miles of existing 43
access roads/spur roads would be widened as part of the proposed project. The new and widened roads 44
would range from 14 to 20 feet wide. Public roads would also be used to access transmission and 45
distribution line structures; however, none of the proposed project roadway components would result in 46
changes to existing public roadway design, including intersections, alignment, lane configuration, or 47
medians. 48
49
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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The delivery of specific project components, transformers to substation sites and underground splice 1
vaults, would require the use of oversize and/or overweight vehicles. A transportation permit would be 2
required on all vehicles exceeding the size and weight of a legal load, as defined by the California 3
Vehicle Code. The permits would be obtained from the cities of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente 4
Orange County, and Caltrans. Caltrans has the discretionary authority to issue special permits for the 5
movement of vehicles/loads exceeding statutory limitations on the size, weight, and loading of vehicles. 6
The applicant would have to adhere to each jurisdiction’s requirements and permitting process for the 7
transport of oversize and/or overweight project components. Requirements for the transport of oversize 8
and/or overweight permits may include “wide load” warning signs, use of a pilot vehicle, avoidance of 9
travel during nighttime or inclement weather, use of designated truck routes, and repair of any damage to 10
roadways/structures resulting from travel. The applicant would implement a Traffic Control Plan (APM 11
TR-7), which would address the transport of oversize and/or overweight deliveries. Impacts from the 12
transport of overweight and/or oversized project components would be less than significant through the 13
compliance with applicable regulations. 14
15
With the exception of the access roads along Transmission Line Segments 1b, 3, and 4, and 12-kV 16
Segments F and M, and existing access roads that merge with, cross, or run alongside unpaved trail 17
segments, all proposed project access/spur roads would be located on private land and would be 18
restricted from public access. Access roads along Transmission Line Segments 1b, 3, and 4, and 12-kV 19
Segments F and M, that would merge with, cross, or run alongside unpaved trail segments could create a 20
significant hazard from the construction vehicles traveling among trails users, such as bicyclists, 21
equestrians, and pedestrians. MM TR-4 would require the applicant to submit its Traffic Control Plan to 22
the City of San Juan Capistrano and City of San Clemente for review and incorporate any 23
recommendations from this review related to bikeway, sidewalk, and unpaved trail facilities into the 24
Traffic Control Plan. This would include any access/spur road that merges with unpaved trail segments. 25
In addition, APM PS-2, Repair Damage to Public Facilities, will ensure any trails impacted during 26
construction activities would be returned to an approximate pre-construction state following the 27
completion of the proposed project. This would include trail realignments. SDG&E will make 28
replacements of any trails in a timely manner. With the implementation of MM TR-4 and APM PS-2, the 29
proposed project would have a less than significant impact on trail users because its associated 30
access/spur roads would not substantially increase hazards due to a design feature. Therefore, the 31
construction and restoration of the proposed project would have a less than significant impact with 32
mitigation under this criterion. 33
34
Operation and maintenance activities associated with the proposed project would be similar to those 35
associated with the existing substations, transmission, and distribution lines operation and maintenance 36
activities. Therefore, operation and maintenance of the proposed project would have no impact road 37
hazards. 38
39
Impact TT-5: Result in inadequate emergency access. 40
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT 41
42
The proposed project would cause short-term, temporary impacts on traffic when the proposed 43
transmission and distribution line segments would be installed across roadways and where construction 44
would be conducted within a public roadway ROW. As noted in Section 2.4.9, “Roadway and Railway 45
Crossings, Road Closures, and Traffic Control,” the proposed transmission and distribution lines route 46
would cross a number of roadways, including I-5. The applicant anticipates that traffic would be 47
temporarily stopped when the sock line is flown by helicopter over a public road. A sock line is used for 48
stringing conductor cable on utility poles (see Section 2.4.5.3, “Foundations, Assembly, and Wire 49
Stringing”). Traffic would also be temporarily stopped in the event that an external load, such as the 50
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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section of a transmission line structure, is flown by helicopter over a public road. The temporary traffic 1
stops would last a few minutes. The applicant would procure a permit from Caltrans to string new 2
conductor across I-5. The applicant anticipates that the Caltrans permit would require that the netting be 3
installed early on a Sunday morning when traffic is minimal and that the California Highway Patrol 4
would assist with slowing traffic to allow for netting installation. Once the netting is in place, wire 5
stringing would be possible during periods with greater traffic levels, as permitted. Therefore, temporary 6
lane closures and/or travel lane reductions would be required for the construction of the transmission and 7
distribution line segments. A series of local roads are also located adjacent to or crossed by transmission 8
and distribution line segments. 9
10
The applicant would coordinate with local jurisdictions to ensure access for emergency vehicles. 11
The applicant would implement APM TR-3 and APM TR-7, under which the applicant would coordinate 12
with local emergency response agencies throughout construction and would prepare a Traffic Control 13
Plan prior to construction to minimize short-term construction-related impacts on local traffic, including 14
emergency access. Under the Traffic Control Plan (APM TR-7), SDG&E would coordinate with 15
emergency service providers in advance of lane closures and other methods for reducing adverse 16
construction-related traffic impact construction activities. Coordination with emergency service providers 17
would avoid restriction of emergency vehicle movements and would ensure that emergency vehicle 18
access is maintained and impacts to traffic flow are minimized. As a result, temporary full and partial 19
closures associated with construction activities would not significantly lengthen the response time 20
required for emergency vehicles passing through the construction zone because coordination with 21
emergency service providers and emergency response agencies would ensure emergency vehicle access is 22
maintained at all times. Therefore, construction and operation of the proposed project would not result in 23
inadequate emergency access, and impacts would be less than significant. 24
25
Operation and maintenance activities associated with the proposed project would be similar to those 26
associated with the existing substations, transmission, and distribution lines operation and maintenance 27
activities. Therefore, operation and maintenance of the proposed project would have no impact on 28
emergency access. 29
30
Impact TT-6: Conflict with adopted policies, plans or programs regarding public transit, 31
bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or 32
safety of such facilities. 33
LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION 34
35
Extensive bicycle infrastructure and unpaved hiking/equestrian/mountain biking trails are present 36
throughout the proposed project area, as detailed in Table 4.15-5. In some instances, bikeway and 37
unpaved trail segments run alongside the proposed project, such as the Foster Ridgeline Trail along 38
Transmission Line Segment 3. In other instances, a proposed project component crosses a bikeway or 39
unpaved trail segment such as the Transmission Line Segment 1a crossing of the Class I/Class II 40
Bikeway that runs alongside Camino Capistrano. Temporary bikeway, sidewalk, and trail closures would 41
be required for the construction of the transmission and distribution line segments. The applicant 42
anticipates that traffic, including bicycle and pedestrian movements, would be temporarily stopped when 43
the sock line is flown by helicopter over a public road. Traffic would also be temporarily stopped in the 44
event that an external load, such as the section of a transmission line structure, is flown by helicopter 45
over a public road. The temporary traffic stops would last a few minutes. 46
47
Therefore, the proposed project would cause short-term, temporary construction-related impacts where 48
the proposed transmission and distribution line segments cross or run parallel in close vicinity to 49
bikeways, sidewalks, and unpaved trails. While construction of certain proposed project components 50
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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would affect bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, any impact on these facilities would be short term and 1
temporary and would not conflict with any applicable plan, program, or policy (see discussion under 2
Impact TT-1). Additionally, the applicant would implement APM PS-32 as described in Table 2-10, 3
which would ensure that any damage done to area roadways, including bicycle lanes and sidewalks, 4
resulting from construction work would be repaired following completion of project construction. 5
6
The proposed project area is also serviced by several public transit options. As discussed under Impact 7
TT-1, the proposed project would be located in the vicinity of several bus routes, along with Metrolink 8
and Amtrak rail routes. During construction of the proposed project, it is anticipated that any full or 9
partial road closures on Camino Capistrano would be coordinated under the Traffic Control Plan (APM 10
TR-7), and the Route 91 and 191 buses would be rerouted temporarily if needed. As a result, any impacts 11
on CMP performance measures for buses such as vehicle headway and on-time performance would be 12
less than significant and temporary. 13
14
Transmission Line Segment 1a and 12-kV Segment A would cross the railroad tracks utilized by BNSF, 15
Metrolink, and Amtrak both underground and overhead west of the proposed San Juan Capistrano 16
Substation and approximately 0.7 miles north of San Juan Capistrano Station. The work within the 17
SCRRA operating corridor is expected to last approximately four weeks and will be broken up into 18
several segments to minimize the impact to trains operating within the LOSSAN Corridor. The applicant 19
would obtain SCRRA approval for construction within the SCRRA operating corridor and ROW. 20
Compliance with any conditions of the SCRRA would ensure that construction of Transmission Line 21
Segment 1a over the railway and under the railway via jack and bore trenching would be conducted to 22
ensure the safety of commuter rail service and comply with railroad protocols. The SCRRA Right of Way 23
Encroachment Process also addresses train performance during construction. SCRRA confirmed that this 24
type of construction work would not affect train service through the area. Construction details and 25
requirements for operating within the ROW will be outlined with the applicant during the SCRRA Right 26
of Way Encroachment Process. This type of construction will require an SCRRA qualified railroad 27
flagger to signal construction to stop when a train approaches the construction area. Construction would 28
be completed during the times that trains are not traveling through the construction area (Patel 2016). As 29
a result, no impact to train performance would occur. 30
31
As part of the proposed project, the applicant would implement APM TR-7, Traffic Control Plan, 32
during project construction to minimize short-term construction-related impacts on bicycle, pedestrian, 33
and public transit facility performance or safety. Under APM TR-7, all construction work would be 34
coordinated with affected local agencies to prevent negative effects to these facilities. Through 35
coordination with local agencies, the Traffic Control Plan would include provisions for temporary 36
alternate routes to route local bicycle, pedestrian, and bus traffic around construction zones, thus 37
minimizing potential conflicts with existing plans and inconveniences to pedestrians, cyclists, and bus 38
riders. 39
40
Therefore, with the implementation of APM TR-5, APM TR-7, and APM PS-32, construction 41
activities would not interfere with the safety and performance of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and 42
impacts would be less than significant under this criterion. 43
44
Operation and maintenance activities associated with the proposed project would be similar to those 45
associated with the existing substations, transmission, and distribution lines operation and maintenance 46
activities. The realignment of poles and the presence of new poles would not significantly impact the 47
performance and safety of bicycle and pedestrian facilities as implementation of APM PS-2 would 48
address any changes to the facilities from the existing baseline. Therefore, operation and maintenance of 49
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.15-28 DRAFT EIR
the proposed project would have no impact on the safety and performance of bicycle and pedestrian 1
facilities. 2
3
4.15.4 Mitigation Measures 4
5
MM TR-1: Advance Notification of Roadway Closures. SDG&E shall provide notification of lane 6
closures to drivers and nearby residents at least 48 hours in advance. Notification shall be made in the 7
form of roadside signage for drivers and flyers mailed to affected residents. 8
9
MM TR-2: Helicopter Safety Plan and External-Load Training Program. Prior to start of 10
construction, SDG&E will submit a Helicopter Safety Plan and External-Load Training Program 11
prepared by qualified personnel to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). All workers that 12
shall be present when helicopters are in use for construction of the project shall be trained regarding 13
helicopter external loads. A sign-in sheet recording the names and dates of all individuals trained shall be 14
maintained by SDG&E. Helicopter Safety Plan and Worker Environmental Awareness training shall 15
include the following, at minimum: 16
17
An overview of the general steps taken by the certified Rotorcraft External-Load Operators 18
before starting operations, including a survey of the flight area; the typical ground worker 19
instructions from certified Rotorcraft External-Load Operators; the ramp inspection checklist (14 20
CFR 133 Ramp Inspection Job Aid) and examples of typical causes of unsatisfactory ramp 21
inspections; and the equipment typically required for Class A, B, C, and D loads as specified in 22
14 CFR 133; 23
A summary of the contents of the FAA-approved Rotorcraft Load Combination Flight Manuals 24
applicable to external-load operations planned for the project including maximum loads (internal 25
and external) and load types and general performance capabilities, under approved operating 26
procedures and limitations, for each type of helicopter to be used; 27
Detailed instruction regarding the proper methods of loading, rigging, or attaching external loads 28
and examples of improper rigging and resultant accidents and incidents; and 29
Detailed information about planned helicopter construction techniques. 30
31
A safety brief, plan of operations, and refresher helicopter external-load operations training shall be 32
presented at the start of all days during which helicopter external-load operations are planned to occur. 33
The planned flight paths, landing areas, and timing and types of helicopter construction activities for the 34
day shall be presented as well. At minimum, the refresher training shall include examples load types and 35
maximum loads (internal and external) for each type of helicopter to be used that day and a 36
demonstration of proper external-load attaching and restraining means for all types of attaching and 37
retraining devices that may be used. 38
39
No SDG&E personnel or contractor, including helicopter pilots and crewmembers, shall work in 40
proximity to or be involved with helicopter external-load operations unless they receive the initial 41
training and attend the daily safety brief and refresher training. Signatures of all personnel and 42
contractors who attend the daily safety brief and refresher training shall be collected, and they shall 43
display a clear indication (e.g., sticker on the hardhat color-coded by training day) that they are approved 44
to work in proximity to or otherwise be involved with helicopter external-load operations for the day. 45
46
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.15 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.15-29 DRAFT EIR
MM TR-3: Notification and Monitoring of Helicopter Use. SDG&E will notify the Long Beach Flight 1
Standards District Office at least one week in advance of all days during which helicopter operations are 2
planned to occur or as required by the Flight Standards District Office. In addition, SDG&E will notify 3
all residents, businesses, and owners of property within 0.25 miles of planned or emergency helicopter 4
flight paths and landing areas along the Project alignment at least one week in advance of all days during 5
which helicopter operations are planned to occur. 6
7
In compliance with 14 CFR Part 133, the loading and unloading of all helicopter external loads shall be 8
monitored by lineman (non-apprentice) certified by Southern California EdisonSDG&E to rig and inspect 9
helicopter external loads. 10
11
All accidents or incidents reported to the NTSB or FAA shall, at the same time of reporting, be reported 12
to the CPUC. Near misses involving helicopters that had the potential to result in an accident or incident 13
as defined by the NTSB but do not require NTSB notification, shall be entered and described on a dated 14
recorded by Southern California EdisonSDG&E and immediately reported to the applicant’s safety 15
coordinator and the CPUC. 16
17
MM TR-4: City of San Juan Capistrano and City San Clemente Traffic Engineer and Parks and 18
Recreation Review. At least 30 days pPrior to commencing work within city boundaries of San Juan 19
Capistrano and San Clemente, the applicant shall submit a draft Traffic Control Plan (APM TR-7) for the 20
project to City of San Juan Capistrano and City of San Clemente traffic engineers and Parks and 21
Recreation departments for their review. A Draft Traffic Control Plan shall be submitted according to the 22
timeframe established by the authority having jurisdiction of the roadway or trail being impacted. The 23
applicant shall incorporate any recommendations from this review related to bikeway, sidewalk, and 24
unpaved trail facilities into a final Traffic Control Plan prior to commencing work. The applicant shall 25
provide a copy of the final Traffic control plan to the City of San Juan Capistrano, the City of San 26
Clemente and the CPUC prior to commencing work. 27
28
MM TR-5: Content Requirements of the Traffic Control Plan. The applicant shall include and 29
implement the following restrictions within their Traffic Control Plan (APM TR-7): 30
31
Lane closures along Vista Montana shall only be implemented on days when San Juan Hills High 32
School is not in session. 33
Construction-generated traffic associated with the project shall avoid the start and ending time 34
for San Juan Hills High School. Workers shall avoid traveling along Vista Montana during the 35
periods of 6:30 to 8:00 AM and 2:00 to 3:30 PM on days that San Juan Hills High School is in 36
session. These times shall be modified as necessary over the duration of the project in response 37
to changing school arrival/dismissal times. 38
39
Additionally, a final traffic control plan shall be provided to the CPUC for approval prior to the start of 40
construction. 41
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
4.15 TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
FEBRUARY 2015APRIL 2016 4.15-30 DRAFT EIR
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